Which organelles are responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen?

Peroxisomes are the organelles responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. They contain enzymes known as catalases, which facilitate this reaction. Hydrogen peroxide is a byproduct of various metabolic processes and can be harmful to the cell if allowed to accumulate. By converting hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, peroxisomes play a critical role in maintaining cellular health and preventing oxidative damage.

While lysosomes are involved in breaking down waste materials and cellular debris, and mitochondria are primarily known for energy production through ATP synthesis, they do not have the specific function of degrading hydrogen peroxide. Ribosomes, on the other hand, are the sites of protein synthesis and do not participate in the breakdown of peroxides. Thus, peroxisomes are uniquely suited for this essential detoxification process.