Peroxisome

Peroxisomes are organelles found inside cells that are responsible for the breakdown of very long chain fatty acids, branched chain fatty acids, D-amino acids and polyamines. Very long chain fatty acids are broken down through beta-oxidation and converted to medium chain fatty acids, an important source of energy.

They are also responsible for the reduction of reactive oxygen species, specifically hydrogen peroxide.

Peroxisomes are also the first site of biosynthesis of plasmalogens, ether phospholipids important in the brain and lungs that are the most abundant phospholipid in myelin.

They contain 10% of the total activity of two enzymes in the pentose phosphate pathway, important for energy metabolism.

Peroxisomes also play a role in the production of bile acids important for absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and Vitamin K.