Yeast peroxisomes: How are they formed and how do they grow?

Peroxisomes are single membrane enclosed cell organelles, which are present in almost all eukaryotic cells. In addition to the common peroxisomal pathways such as beta-oxidation of fatty acids and decomposition of H2O2, these organelles fulfil a range of metabolic and non-metabolic functions. Peroxisomes are very important since various human disorders exist that are caused by a defect in peroxisome function.

Here we describe our current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms of peroxisome biogenesis in yeast, including peroxisomal protein sorting, organelle dynamics and peroxisomal membrane contact sites.