Cells - Peroxisomes & Lysosomes

The video tutorial explains the functions of peroxisomes and lysosomes, two small, membrane-bound organelles. Peroxisomes contain hydrogen peroxide, a byproduct of breaking down fatty acids and toxins. Lysosomes, found only in animal cells, fuse with vacuoles to release enzymes that digest waste or food. This process is crucial in macrophages, white blood cells that engulf bacteria, where lysosomes help disintegrate the bacteria, allowing harmless materials to be expelled from the cell.

What are peroxisomes and what is their primary function?

What substances do peroxisomes break down, and what byproduct is produced?

Describe the process by which lysosomes break down materials inside vacuoles.

How do lysosomes contribute to the immune response in macrophages?

What happens to the harmless materials after lysosomes have digested bacteria?