A small structure within a cell that is similar to a lysosome but contains different enzymes, some of which may take part in reactions involving hydrogen peroxide.
A class of single-membrane-bound vesicles that contain a variety of enzymes including catalase. They are present in most human cells but are concentrated in the liver. The absence of functional peroxisomes is involved in a number of diseases; the most severe is Zellweger’s syndrome, which affects newborns and is usually fatal before 1 year of age. This syndrome consists of cirrhosis of the liver and congenital malformations of the central nervous system and skeleton.
A peroxisome is a cellular organelle or microbody that houses a diverse range of enzymes. These enzymes are involved in the synthesis of cellular components as well as the breakdown of toxic waste products.