What are peroxisomes classified as?

Peroxisomes are classified as microbodies, which are a group of small organelles that are involved in various biochemical processes within the cell. They are particularly important for lipid metabolism and the detoxification of reactive oxygen species, such as hydrogen peroxide. This classification as microbodies reflects their specific function and characteristic structure, differentiating them from other types of organelles like mitochondria, which are primarily involved in energy production, or ribosomes, which are essential for protein synthesis. Understanding peroxisomes in the context of microbodies helps clarify their role in cellular metabolism and homeostasis, which is critical for maintaining the health of the cell.