Peroxisome functions. Zellweger's syndrome

Today we suggest that you consider the function of peroxisomes. What significance do they have in the cell? Also we will pay attention to what diseases can be detected with the help of this organelle.

Already from the preface it becomes clear that peroxisomes are cell organelles. The cell, in turn, is part of an incredibly complex constructor of everything that surrounds us. Even a person consists of cells, which have a very large number. A cell consists of even smaller parts, but they allow it to lead an independent way of life, that is, to unite and create complex structures is not necessary. An example of this are the simplest unicellular creatures you've probably heard about in biology classes at school.

Before we list and characterize the functions of peroxisomes, we need to understand what it is and how they are arranged.

Peroxisomes

These organelles look like tiny vacuoles, their size does not reach 1.5 microns. Peroxisomes are surrounded by a thin membrane, and it separates microgranules located inside, from the internal environment of the whole cell. What can we detect inside the organoid? There is a core, it is also called the nucleoid. It is also important to understand that this part of the peroxisome has nothing to do with the nuclear structure or the bacterial nucleoids. Do not confuse these concepts. It often happens that structures in the nucleoid zone resemble crystals. They are formed from fibrils and tubes. The core of this organelle is separated from the peroxisome, inside it contains urate oxidase. This is one of the enzymes. Now we suggest considering the functions of peroxisomes in a cell. But before this, we will consider the structure in more detail.

Structure

Now we will tell you what peroxisomes, structure and functions (table) will also be considered by us. For starters, we will give a visual aid in the form of a table. Next, we will detail the structure and functions of peroxisome. The table can be created by us, but it suffices to note that the peroxisome consists of a matrix and a nucleotide.

Matrix peroxisome contains 15 enzymes. Let's analyze what. Let us single out the most significant of them:

• Peroxidase;
• Catalase;
• Oxidase;
• Uratroxidase.

And what function does the nucleotide then perform? Its role is to condense the same enzymes. Let's look at the way of peraxis formation. They bud off from EPS, so we can state that the area of production of this organoid is EPS. Enzymes are formed in:

• EPS;
• Hyaloplasm.

Here it is also important to clarify that the membrane is thin, but it does not allow penetrating even to ions and low molecular substrates. Now we can consider the function of peroxisomes. Immediately make a reservation, this organoid is of great importance for the cell.

Functions

The functions of peroxisomes are as follows:

• Oxidation of organic substances;
• Oxidation of fatty acids;
• Biosynthesis of plasmalogen;
• Biosynthesis of isoprenoids in animals;
• Biosynthesis of cholesterol;
• Localization of protein NDR2;
• Regulation of systemic inflammation;
• Help in the process of breathing in plant cells and so on.

This list can be continued for a very long time, since some functions have not been thoroughly studied yet. Now we suggest a little more talk about protein synthesis. It is important to know that these organelles do not contain such parts as:

• DNA;
• Ribosomes.

Proceeding from this, protein synthesis occurs in the nucleus. Next comes the import of peroxisomes into the internal medium. How does the import from the kernel? By the participation of the C-terminal signal. The sequence of this addressing is very short, consists of 3 amino acid residues.

Significance for clinical examination

We examined in the section above what function peroxisomes perform. Now a little about the clinical purpose of these organelles. Now let's talk a little about the disease called Zellweger's syndrome. This is quite a serious illness, it is caused by a violation of the import of proteins. Consequently, peroxisomes are empty, in the cell and in the body as a whole, acute insufficiency of these organelles is revealed. People who suffer from these disorders experience difficulties with the work of some important organs, including:

• brain;
• liver;
• Kidney.

Children who are born with this syndrome can not live long and are forced to leave our light after a very short time. This disease is associated with a mutation of this organoid. Also less dangerous forms of the disease are possible.