The discovery of peroxisomes is credited to De Duve and Baudhuin, who first isolated them from rat liver.
The Discovery of Peroxisomes: A Closer Look
De Duve and Baudhuin's work in 1966 marked a significant advancement in cell biology. Their research not only led to the isolation of peroxisomes but also revealed the critical functions these organelles perform. According to De Duve and Baudhuin (1966), their biochemical studies demonstrated that peroxisomes are characterized by:
- Colocalization of H2O2-producing oxidases: Peroxisomes house several enzymes that generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a byproduct of their metabolic activity.
- Presence of Catalase: Crucially, peroxisomes also contain catalase, an enzyme responsible for breaking down H2O2 into water and oxygen. This prevents the toxic accumulation of H2O2 within the cell.
This colocalization of H2O2-producing oxidases and catalase is a defining feature of peroxisomes and highlights their role in managing oxidative stress within cells.
