Editing Microbody (section)

==Function==

Microbodies contain enzymes that participate in the preparatory or intermediate stages of [[Biochemistry|biochemical reactions]] within the cell. This facilitates the breakdown of fats, alcohols and amino acids. Generally microbodies are involved in detoxification of peroxides and in photo respiration in plants. Different types of microbodies have different functions:

===Peroxisomes===
A [[peroxisome]] is a type of microbody that functions to help the body break down large molecules and detoxify hazardous substances. It contains enzymes like [[oxidase]], react hydrogen peroxide as a byproduct of its enzymatic reactions. Within the peroxisome, hydrogen peroxide can then be converted to water by enzymes like [[catalase]] and [[peroxidase]]. Discovered and named by [[Christian de Duve]]. 

===Glyoxysomes===
[[Glyoxysome]]s are specialized peroxisomes found in plants and [[Mold (fungus)|mold]], which help to convert stored lipids into carbohydrates so they can be used for plant growth. In glyoxysomes the fatty acids are hydrolyzed to acetyl-CoA by peroxisomal β-oxidation enzymes. Besides peroxisomal functions, glyoxysomes also possess the key enzymes of the [[glyoxylate cycle]].