PeroxisomesIntroductionPeroxisomes, or microbes, are one of the many organelles found in the cytoplasm of a eukaryotic cell. Similar to the lysosome, it is an enzyme containing vesicle, 0.1-1.5 µm in diameter, bound by a single lipid bilayer membrane. However, despite its similarities to the lysosome, the peroxisome has significant differences that allow it to carry out its very important functions within the cell. For example, unlike lysosomes, it contains oxidases instead of hydrolases which in turn aid it in its ability to break down substances. It was previously thought that peroxisomes were not important for the functioning of cells, but new studies show how important the proper functioning of peroxisomes is in cells. Assembly Another difference that separates them from the very similar lysosomes is their assembly. Peroxisomes bud from the endoplasmic reticulum like mitchondri and not from the Golgi apparatus like lysosomes. Peroxisomes contain no DNA and as a result cannot do two important things on their own: make their own proteins or replicate through mitosis. Without the necessary proteins available, the peroxisome is unable to function as it should, causing medical disorders discussed later. This is overcome by the production of their proteins on free ribosomes in the cytosol which are then selectively imported into the organelle. Proteins, also known as peroxins, are imported through two main pathways using PTSs (peroxisomal targeting signals), which are specific sequences of amino acids. The most common PTS is PTS1 which is a Ser-Lys-Leu tripeptide at the C-terminus and the least common is PTS2, a nine amino acid sequence at the N-terminus. Each peroxin contains one of these PTS w... middle of paper... childhood where there is then rapid degeneration until death. Just like in the movie where doctors could do little to treat the boys' condition, there is little treatment available for patients diagnosed with this disorder. Conclusion Although information about the importance of peroxisomes is relatively new information, it is clear how important they are in the functioning of a cell. Because they are used for more than one function, we can see how malfunctions or factors affecting peroxisomes can be fatal. With so much unknown information about these organelles in terms of their evolution and exact functioning, it is no wonder why they represent an interesting section to discover, especially when it comes to treating associated disorders. Photo: https://www. boundless.com/biology/cell-structure/eukaryotic-cells/peroxisomes/s