The Peroxisome: A Vital Organelle

Over the last decades, a series of dramatic research findings have served to emphasize the vital role of the peroxisome. These findings have included major advances in our understanding of its metabolic roles, genetics and biochemistry, as well as of the broad involvements of peroxisomal diseases. This book provides a basic introduction to the peroxisome and its relationship to other components of eukaryotic cells, followed by a detailed and comprehensive discussion of research advances. Current understanding of the morphology, phylogeny, enzymology and ontogeny of the peroxisome is also reviewed. The book concludes with a chapter on peroxisomes and human disease. The authors are well-respected researchers in this field, and have produced an authoritative and readable text which will appeal to postgraduates and researchers in biochemistry, cell biology and medical science.

Table of Contents:
Preface; 1. Introduction; 2. Enzymology; 3. Intraparticulate organization of peroxisomal proteins - methodology and topology; 4. The phenotypic characteristics, genetics and ontogeny of peroxisomal proteins; 5. Peroxisomal metabolism - lipids; 6. Further metabolic involvements of the peroxisome; 7. Regulatory factors in peroxisomal metabolism; 8. Peroxisomal biogenesis and turnover; 9. Peroxisome proliferators; 10. Peroxisomes and human disease; 11. Concluding comments; Bibliography; Index.

Review :
"This book will be of most interest to undergraduates, postgraduates, and researchers who are interested in the biochemistry of the peroxisome, and in understanding its role in the cell with respect to other subcellular organelles." The Biochemist "This well-organized and clearly illustrated book synthesizes the results of nearly 500 papers on structure, enzymology, genetics, regulation, and proliferation of peroxisomes. Summaries and suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter make the book useful to those with little knowledge of the field. Although directed primarily at postgraduate researchers in biochemistry, cell biology, and pathology, senior undergraduates with a good understanding of enzymology and lipid biochemistry will also find the book useful." Choice "This succinct, well-written monograph is both current and comprehensive...Its wide scope will make it useful to specialists in the field as well as to biologists who are ignorant of this fascinating and ubiquitous structure..." Sidney Goldfischer, Science "The authors are well respected researchers in this field and have produced an authoritative and readable text, with numerous illustrations and chapter summaries." Cambridge Scientific Abstracts "This succint, well-written monograph is both current and comprehensive and covers the enzymology, morphology, genetics, biogenesis, and ontogeny of peroxisomes in animals and plants..." Sidney Goldfisher, Science