🧪 PART 2: PEROXISOMES – The Cell’s Detox Center

🔬 What Are Peroxisomes?

Peroxisomes are tiny organelles with a single membrane, just like lysosomes, but they have a different function.

• They were discovered by Christian de Duve, who also discovered lysosomes.

📖 Mnemonic to Remember Peroxisomes:

“Peroxisomes Protect by Processing Poisons.”

This helps you remember that they detoxify harmful substances using oxidation.

⚙️ Functions of Peroxisomes

1. Detoxification:
   • Peroxisomes remove poisons and harmful chemicals from the cell.
   • Example: Liver cells have many peroxisomes to remove alcohol and drugs from the blood.
2. Oxidation Reactions:
   • Oxidation means removing electrons or hydrogen atoms from molecules.
   • This helps break down fatty acids and toxins.
3. Break Down of Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂):
   • A by-product of cellular work is hydrogen peroxide – a toxic chemical.
   • Peroxisomes contain an enzyme called Catalase that breaks H₂O₂ into water and oxygen.

2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂
(Catalase does this reaction.)

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🧬 What Happens If Peroxisomes Don’t Work?

Zellweger Syndrome:

• A genetic disorder present from birth.
• The person is born with no or very few peroxisomes.
• The body can’t remove harmful chemicals.
• No treatment or cure. Babies usually don’t survive beyond 1 year.