Do peroxisomes produce or detoxify hydrogen peroxide

Peroxisomes both produce and detoxify hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). During oxidative reactions such as fatty acid beta-oxidation and amino acid catabolism, peroxisomal oxidases generate H₂O₂ as a toxic byproduct. To protect the cell, the enzyme catalase, abundant within peroxisomes, rapidly decomposes H₂O₂ into water and oxygen, thereby preventing oxidative stress and damage to cellular components. This dual role is central to peroxisomal function and cellular redox balance.