Final answer:
Peroxisomes are named because they produce hydrogen peroxide during oxidation reactions. This hydrogen peroxide is then broken down into water and oxygen by enzymes within the peroxisomes to prevent cell damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
Peroxisomes are small, spherical organelles enclosed by single membranes that are responsible for various functions, including the breakdown of fatty acids and amino acids, and the detoxification of harmful substances. Peroxisomes got their name because hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is produced during their oxidation reactions. The hydrogen peroxide is toxic, but peroxisomes contain enzymes, particularly catalase, which convert H₂O₂ into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂), thereby neutralizing potential damage to cellular components. These critical oxidation reactions and subsequent detoxification processes are crucial in cells, especially those in the liver, which works to detoxify the blood before it circulates through the body.