peroxisome

[ puh-rok-suh-sohm ]

noun

, Cell Biology.

1. a cell organelle containing catalase, peroxidase, and other oxidative enzymes and performing essential metabolic functions, as the decomposition of fatty acids and hydrogen peroxide.

peroxisome

/ pəˈrɒksɪˌsəʊm /

noun

1. a type of organelle present in most eukaryotic cells that carry out oxidative reactions, such as oxidation of alcohol in the liver

peroxisome

/ pə-rŏk′sĭ-sōm′ /

1. A cell organelle containing enzymes that catalyze the production and breakdown of hydrogen peroxide.

Other Words From

• per·oxi·somal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of peroxisome¹

First recorded in 1965–70; perox(ide) + -some ³