Which organelle contains enzymes that produce hydrogen peroxide as a by-product?

Peroxisomes are specialized organelles found within cells that contain enzymes responsible for various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of harmful substances. A key function of peroxisomes is to metabolize hydrogen, which results in the production of hydrogen peroxide as a by-product. The enzymes within peroxisomes, such as catalase, play a crucial role in converting hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thereby mitigating potential oxidative damage to the cell.

In contrast, mitochondria are primarily involved in energy production through oxidative phosphorylation, ribosomes synthesize proteins, and the nucleus houses genetic material and coordinates cell activities, including gene expression. While hydrogen peroxide can be produced in other organelles during certain metabolic processes, peroxisomes are uniquely defined by their role in the metabolism that specifically generates and subsequently processes hydrogen peroxide.