2.8. Peroxisomes

A spherical, single membrane-bound organelle that derives its name from being involved in the production of hydrogen peroxide. Often also referred to as microbodies, peroxisomes are between 0.1 - 1.0µm in diameter and contain enzymes that convert fat to sugars in a process called Glyoxylate Cycle to empower the early heterotrophic growth of embryos during seed germination. Some peroxisomes are also involved in photorespiration - process of carbon recovery. The primary enzyme responsible for fixing carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis - Rubisco - also has a partial penchant for oxygen and this adds to the inherent inefficiency in photosynthetic output. During photorespiration, a complex network of biochemical pathways involving the chloroplasts, peroxisomes, and mitochondria exchange metabolites and recoup some carbon during the process.