Peroxisomes:-

                                       Peroxisomes are small and single membrane-bound organelles containing oxidative enzymes, which are found in eukaryotes. These oxidative enzymes are involved in the metabolic activity of the body and the digestive enzymes break down the toxic materials in the cell. The marker enzymes help to distinguish it from the other cell organelles. These peroxisomes are considered an important part of the microbody as they are involved in lipid production. They also convert reactive oxygen species into safer molecules by an enzyme 'catalase' and detoxifies hydrogen peroxide. For eg;

Hydrogen peroxide(  H2O2  )➡️water( H2O ) + oxygen( O2 )

peroxisome or microbody                     

                         

                                    These peroxisomes were first identified by "Christian de Duve" in 1967 as cell organelles. Human cells may contain about 100 peroxisomes depending upon the type of cell. These also play a role in the breakdown of fatty acids in animal cells. Usually, these peroxisomes exist as individual ones (fibroblasts) but sometimes they are found in interconnected tubules such as the peroxisome reticulum in liver. 

Structure of peroxisome:-

                          Peroxisomes are single membrane-bound vesicles found in all eukaryotes ie, both plants and animals. They usually vary in shape, size, and number depending upon the energy requirements of the cell. These are made up of phospholipids which are usually synthesized from smooth ER. They generally range from 0.2-1.5μm. A granular matrix encloses the limiting membrane of proteins and lipids, and the matrix consists of a crystalloid structure containing enzymes.

       There are app. 60 enzymes found in the matrix of peroxisomes which help in the metabolism of the cellular organism. The enzymes involved in the lipid metabolism are synthesized on the free ribosomes and then selectively imported to the peroxisome containing one of the signalling sequences. Some of the other enzymes found in peroxisomes are urate oxidase, D-amino oxidase, catalase. 

Functions of peroxisomes:-

              Some of the functions of peroxisomes are described below

• Peroxisomes involve in various oxidative processes such as hydrogen peroxide metabolism, fatty acid oxidation, lipid biosynthesis.
• They also take part in the catabolism of D-amino acids, polyamines, and bile acids.
• The enzymes present in the peroxisomes help in their metabolic activity like conversion of reactive molecules or their elimination etc.
• Peroxisomes help in the germination of plant seeds by converting storage fatty acids to carbohydrates, which plays a critical role in the growth of germinating plants.
• Peroxisomes also help in the photorespiration in the green plants apart from chloroplasts.
• These help in the degradation of purines by carrying out catabolism of purines, polyamines, and amino acids by uric acid oxidase.
• Peroxisomes of fireflies help in bioluminescence by the presence of luciferase enzyme which helps in finding it's mate or meal. 
• In plants, peroxisomes prevent loss of energy during photosynthesis.

• courtesy by google images.