Admission Test for Dental Hygiene (ATDH) Practice

What is the primary function of peroxisomes?

1. Redox reactions

2. Protein synthesis

3. Lipid breakdown

4. Energy storage

The correct answer is: Lipid breakdown

Peroxisomes are specialized organelles within cells that play a crucial role in lipid metabolism and breakdown. They contain enzymes responsible for the oxidation of very long-chain fatty acids and play a part in the catabolism of fatty acids. This process is essential because it helps in the conversion of fats into energy, which the cell can use for various functions. In addition to lipid breakdown, peroxisomes are also involved in detoxifying harmful byproducts of metabolism, such as hydrogen peroxide, which is generated during fatty acid oxidation. However, their primary function is indeed centered around lipid metabolism rather than the other processes listed. For example, while redox reactions do occur in peroxisomes, their primary role is in breaking down lipids. Protein synthesis predominantly takes place in ribosomes, and energy storage is typically managed by other cellular structures like lipid droplets.