28) Comparing Lysosomes and Peroxisomes

Lysosomes- are spherical membranous organelles containing digestive enzymes. Lysosomal enzymes can digest almost all kinds of biological molecules. The lysosomal membrane serves lysosomal functions by containing H+ (protons) to maintain the organelle's acidic pH and retaining the dangerous acid hydrolyses while permitting the final products of digestion to escape so that they can be used by the cell or excreted. Lysosomes provide sites where digestion can proceed safely within a cell. Lysosomes digest particles taken in by endocytosis (ingested bacteria, viruses and toxins). Lysosomes degrade worn-out or nonfunctional organisms and perform metabolic functions such as glycogen breakdown and release. Lysosomes break down non-useful tissues such as webs between fingers and toes in a developing fetus. Lastly, lysosomes break down bone to release calcium ions into the blood.

Peroxisomes- are membranous sacs containing a variety of powerful enzymes such as oxidases and catalases. Oxidases use molecular oxygen to detoxify harmful substances like alcohol and formaldehyde. They also neutralize dangerous free radicals which as highly reactive chemicals with unpaired electrons that can scramble the structure of biological molecules. Peroxisomes look like small lysosomes and they are self-replicating organelles. Unlike lysosomes, peroxisomes do not arise by budding from the Golgy apparatus.