Peroxisomes and Lysosomes

Abstract

Two different cell organelles, peroxisomes and lysosomes, are described in this chapter. Both cell organelles are present in most eukaryotic cells. They are particularly abundant in liver where they play a vital role in the metabolism of this organ. Peroxisomes were first recognized as distinct cellular organelles on electron micrographs of mouse kidney proximal tubule cells by Rhodin (1954). Rhodin termed these structures microbodies according to their morphological appearance. Two years later similar structures were also found in rat liver by Rouiller and Bernard (1956). Due to the abundance and accessibility of peroxisomes in liver this tissue was preferably used to study peroxisomal functions.