Final answer:
Peroxisomes are small organelles that carry out oxidation reactions, detoxify poisons, and break down fatty acids and amino acids. They safely break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Peroxisomes are found in both animal and plant cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peroxisomes: An Overview
Peroxisomes are small, round organelles enclosed by single membranes. They carry out oxidation reactions that break down fatty acids and amino acids. They also detoxify many poisons that may enter the body. Hydrogen peroxide, a byproduct of these reactions, is safely broken down by peroxisomal enzymes into water and oxygen. Peroxisomes are found in both animal and plant cells, with specialized peroxisomes called glyoxysomes playing a role in fat metabolism in plants.