The organelles that carry out the beta-oxidation process are called glyoxysomes. It was discovered and named by scientist R. W. Briedenback in 1967.
Glyoxysomes are found in fungi, yeast, Neurospora and oilseed cells. It is present in the lipid storage cells of the seed.
Glyoxysomes are spherical or oval or polygonal. It is a unicellular organelle. Its diameter is 0.5-1.5 µm. Their matrix is granular and the core part is visible in the center. It contains various enzymes of β-oxidation and glyoxalate cycle. It contains isocitrate ligase, malate synthetase, glycolate oxidase and catalase enzymes.
Function/importance of glyoxysome
- Glyoxysomes mainly regulate the metabolism of fats or lipids or fatty acids.
- Seedling growth continues during seed germination.
- It oxidizes ionic substances through the glyoxalate cycle.
- It participates in the metabolic metabolism of amino acids.