Peroxisomes primarily produce hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of their oxidative reactions, but they don't necessarily secrete it; rather, they use it internally to break down other molecules.
While the question asks what peroxisomes secrete, the provided reference focuses on what they produce and how they function. Peroxisomes are organelles involved in breaking down organic molecules through oxidation. This process generates hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂).
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | Generally small (0.1 – 1.0 µm in diameter) |
| Location | Animal and plant cells |
| Primary Function | Break down organic molecules by oxidation, producing hydrogen peroxide. |
It is important to note:
- Peroxisomes contain an enzyme called catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. This prevents the toxic accumulation of H₂O₂ within the cell.
- The primary function of peroxisomes is to carry out oxidative reactions, including the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of harmful compounds.
- While peroxisomes produce hydrogen peroxide, they don't secrete significant quantities of it outside the organelle under normal circumstances. If a molecule were secreted by a peroxisome, it would likely be a processed or broken-down version of an initial substrate.
