MICROBODY Meaning and
Definition
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A microbody refers to a small, membrane-bound organelle that can be found in the cytoplasm of eukaryotic cells. It is a specialized structure that plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes within the cell. Microbodies are typically spherical or elongated in shape and are enclosed by a single membrane.
One of the most well-known types of microbodies is the peroxisome, which is involved in the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of harmful substances. Within peroxisomes, various enzymes are present, such as catalase, that aid in these metabolic reactions. The breakdown of fatty acids within microbodies generates hydrogen peroxide, which is then neutralized by catalase to prevent cellular damage.
Another example of a microbody is the glyoxysome, which is primarily found in the seeds of plants. Glyoxysomes are involved in the conversion of stored fatty acids into carbohydrates during seed germination, allowing energy to be utilized for growth until photosynthesis begins.
Microbodies provide a segregated environment for specific metabolic activities, ensuring efficient and controlled reactions without interfering with other cellular processes. They are capable of replicating and can increase in number based on the metabolic demands of the cell.
Overall, microbodies are essential cellular components that contribute to various metabolic pathways and significantly impact the overall functioning of eukaryotic cells.
Common Misspellings for MICROBODY
- nicrobody
- kicrobody
- jicrobody
- mucrobody
- mjcrobody
- mkcrobody
- mocrobody
- m9crobody
- m8crobody
- mixrobody
- mivrobody
- mifrobody
- midrobody
- miceobody
- micdobody
- micfobody
- mictobody
- mic5obody
- mic4obody
- micribody
Etymology of MICROBODY
The word "Microbody" is a combination of two different components: "micro-" and "body".
1. "Micro-" is a prefix derived from the Greek word "mikros", which means "small" or "minute". It is used in English to indicate something that is very small in size.
2. "Body" originates from the Old English word "bodig", which means "the physical structure of a person or an animal". It is used to refer to the physical form or structure of an organism.
When combined, "microbody" denotes a small structure or organelle present within cells. The term was coined to describe specialized compartments within cells that perform specific functions, such as peroxisomes and glyoxysomes.
