Which organelle is responsible for breaking down fatty acids and producing hydrogen peroxide?

Peroxisomes are specialized organelles that play a crucial role in the breakdown of fatty acids through a process known as beta-oxidation. During this process, fatty acids are metabolized to produce energy, and one of the byproducts of this reaction is hydrogen peroxide. The presence of catalase, an enzyme, allows peroxisomes to convert hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, helping to prevent cellular damage that could result from its accumulation. This function is essential for maintaining the balance of lipid metabolism and the overall health of the cell.

In contrast, mitochondria are primarily involved in energy production through the Krebs cycle and oxidative phosphorylation, ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, and the Golgi apparatus is critical for modifying, sorting, and packaging proteins for secretion or delivery to other organelles. Each of these organelles has distinct and essential roles, but none are directly involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and the production of hydrogen peroxide as peroxisomes are.