MicrobodiesChapter 4

Cell Structure

WHAT ARE MICROBODIES?

Eukaryotic cells that contain a variety of enzyme-bearing, membrane enclosed vesicles.

Found in the cells of plants, animals, fungi, and protists.

WHAT IS THE STRUCTURE OF MICROBODIES?

A vesicle with a spherical shape. Only visible with the use of an electron

microscope. Surrounded by a single phospholipid bilayer

membrane Contain a matrix of intracellular material

including enzymes and other proteins

TYPES OF MICROBODIESPeroxisome- a type of microbody that

functions to help the body break down large molecules and detoxify hazardous substances

It contains oxidative enzymes and catalysts.

TYPES OF MICROBODIES CONTINUED..

Glyoxysomes are specialized peroxisomes found in plants and mold

Help to convert stored lipids into carbohydrates so they can be used for plant growth.

WHAT IS THE FUNCTION OF MICROBODIES?

To isolate particular chemical activities from the rest of the cell

The distribution of enzymes into microbodies is one of the principal ways eukaryotic cells organize their metabolism

DISEASES ASSOCIATED WITH MICROBODIES Peroxisomal disorders are a class of

medical conditions that typically affect the human nervous system as well as many other organ systems

Two common examples are X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy and Peroxisome Biogenesis Disorders

WORKS CITED

Mason, Kenneth A., Jonathan B. Losos, Susan R. Singer, Peter H. Raven, and George B. Johnson. "Chapter 4." Biology: Evolution, Diversity and Ecology: Selected Materials from Biology, 10th Edition. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2011. 73-78. Print.

"Microbody and Examples." The Free Dictionary: Medical Dictionary. N.p., n.d. Web.