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Glite Dictionary
peroxisome

peroxisome

1 9.0
A small part inside a cell that breaks down fats and removes harmful chemicals
  • noun
  • /pəˈrɒksɪˌsoʊm/
  • Specialized
: peroxisoma
  • Here, we describe an application of this technique to evaluate different point mutations on the transcriptional activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor.
  • peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
  • peroxisome proliferator
  • peroxisome proliferator-activated

Examples

  • The effects of the pro 12Ala polymorphism of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ2 gene on insulin sensitivity and insulin metabolism interact with size at birth.

    Academic text (2002)

  • The enzymes in peroxisomes help detoxify harmful substances produced during metabolism.

  • Peroxisomes break down fatty acids to provide energy for the cell's functions.

  • Researchers study peroxisomes to understand their role in cellular energy production.

Surface Forms

peroxisome singular
peroxisomes plural

Morphology

peroxisome = peroxide (opaque) = peroxide + some

Although formed from 'peroxide' + the combining form '-some' ('body'), the term is a specialized scientific coinage and its meaning is not derivable by an average learner from the components.

Etymology

Peroxisome comes from peroxide and Greek soma meaning 'body', so it literally means a 'peroxide body'. That's why a peroxisome is a small body inside cells that breaks down peroxide and other harmful chemicals to keep the cell safe.