Cytosome

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A cytosome (plural: cytosomes ) refers to various organelles within the cells of an organism. This term encompasses 0.1 to 1 micrometer small structures, mostly formed by the endoplasmic reticulum or from the dictyosomes , with different enzyme features .

These cell organelles include the microbodies , to which the peroxisomes (they contain H ₂ O ₂ -cleaving enzymes, the catalases ) and the glyoxysomes (for the mobilization and conversion of stored lipids ) belong. Another group of cytosomes are the lysosomes , which break down macromolecules ("digestive organelles "). A third group are the oleosomes , which are vesicles in seeds and fruits that contain lipids.

The function of the cytosomes is detoxification and metabolism of the cell, as well as storage. The demarcated areas of these organelles within the cell make it possible for these processes to take place without disrupting the basic functions of the cell. They represent a further compartmentalization , i.e. a division of the cell into areas with a specific chemical microenvironment for special functions.

Because of the similar spelling, the concept of the cytosome is often confused with the cytostome , the “cell mouth” of some unicellular organisms.