Final answer:
The peroxisome is the organelle in liver cells responsible for producing enzymes that detoxify harmful substances, converting byproducts like hydrogen peroxide into non-harmful substances such as water and oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The organelle in liver cells that produces enzymes to detoxify harmful organic materials is called the peroxisome. Peroxisomes are membrane-bound organelles that contain an abundance of enzymes primarily responsible for detoxifying harmful substances. They carry out oxidation reactions to break down fatty acids and amino acids while detoxifying poisons, such as alcohol, that enter the body. A byproduct of these reactions is hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), which is contained within the peroxisomes to prevent cellular damage. The enzymes within peroxisomes convert the potentially harmful H₂O₂ into water and oxygen, which are safely released into the cytoplasm.
Liver cells, or hepatocytes, contain a particularly high number of peroxisomes due to the liver's role in detoxifying the blood before it circulates throughout the body. This makes peroxisomes an essential component in maintaining cellular health, acting like 'miniature sewage treatment plants' by neutralizing toxins. Figure 3.17 in some biology texts may illustrate this organelle and highlight its importance in lipid metabolism and detoxification processes.