Final answer:
The peroxisome is the animal cell organelle responsible for transferring hydrogen to oxygen, resulting in the detoxification of harmful substances. Vacuoles perform similar functions in plant cells, while mitochondria generate ATP.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organelle in animal cells that contains enzymes which transfer hydrogen from various substrates to oxygen is the peroxisome. Unlike lysosomes, which contain digestive enzymes, peroxisomes contain enzymes that function in lipid metabolism, chemical detoxification, and in particular, the transfer of hydrogen atoms to oxygen, forming hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This process is crucial for neutralizing poisons such as alcohol and managing reactive oxygen species.
In plant cells, the function of lysosomes is principally handled by vacuoles, which carry out digestive processes. However, the mitochondria are the powerhouse organelles responsible for producing a large quantity of ATP when glucose and oxygen are available, not the peroxisomes. Lysosomes were discovered by Christian de Duve and are known for breaking down a variety of substances within the cell, including damaged organelles and foreign material.