What are microbodies? Mention their types and functions.

Microbodies are minute membrane bound sacs found in both plant and animal cells. 

Microbodies contain various types of enzymes based on which they are classified into following types: 

1. Sphaerosomes: 

a. These are found mainly in cells involved in synthesis and storage of fats. For e. g. endosperm of oil seeds. 

b. The membrane of sphaerosome is half unit membrane i.e. this membrane has only one phospholipid layer. 

2. Peroxisomes: 

a. Peroxisomes contain enzymes that remove hydrogen atoms from substrate and produce toxic hydrogen peroxide by utilisation of oxygen. 

b. At the same time peroxisome also contains enzymes that convert toxic H 0 to water. Conversion of toxic substances like alcohol takes place in liver cells by peroxisomes.