Which organelle is associated with malfunctions leading to adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD)?

Adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD) is a genetic disorder specifically linked to the malfunctioning of peroxisomes. These organelles play a critical role in metabolizing very long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs) and breaking down hydrogen peroxide, among other functions. In individuals with ALD, the enzymes within peroxisomes that are responsible for the oxidation of VLCFAs are deficient or non-functional. As a result, VLCFAs accumulate in the body, particularly in the brain and adrenal glands, leading to the neurological and adrenal dysfunction characteristic of this disease.

Understanding the role of peroxisomes in cellular metabolism is key to grasping how their dysfunction contributes to specific metabolic disorders like ALD. Other organelles mentioned, such as the nucleus, mitochondria, and ribosomes, have distinct roles in cellular function but are not directly involved in the processes that lead to adrenoleukodystrophy. The nucleus is primarily responsible for housing genetic material, mitochondria for energy production through ATP synthesis, and ribosomes for protein synthesis. None of these organelles are implicated in the specific metabolic pathway that is disrupted in ALD.