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Exact Function of Peroxisomes in Liver Cells

According to Florida State University's molecular biology department, the main function of peroxisomes in cells is to detoxify harmful substances such as alcohol. A few hundred peroxisomes can be found in a single cell. They are oval bodies each with a diameter of about 0.5 micron.

  1. Background

    • Peroxisomes are microscopic sacs (organelles) in cells that contain enzymes used in metabolic processes and specifically to detoxify harmful substances, such as hydrogen peroxide.

    Description

    • Hydrogen peroxide is a common, and potentially toxic, by-product of cellular metabolism. The enzymes in peroxisomes convert the hydrogen peroxide to water, making it safe for the cells.

    The Liver

    • The peroxisomes in liver cells detoxify alcohol and other harmful compounds by transferring hydrogen from them to molecules of oxygen (a process called oxidation).

    Disorders

    • According to the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, the two types of disorders that affect peroxisomes are single peroxisomal enzyme deficiencies and peroxisomal biogenesis disorders, and most peroxisomal disorders cause severe neurological dysfunction. Mental retardation, developmental delays, as well as hearing and vision problems occur in those who have these disorders.

    Considerations

    • Peroxisomes use large amounts of oxygen to perform their function.

    History

    • In the 1950s, Christian René de Duve identified peroxisomes and shared the 1974 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine with Albert Claude and George Palade for their work in describing these organelles.

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