Glyoxysomes are specialized peroxisomes found in plants (particularly in the fat storage tissues of germinating seeds) and also in filamentous fungi.
Seeds that contain fats and oils include corn, soybean, sunflower, peanut and pumpkin.
When the fatty acids are oxidized hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced as oxygen (O2) is consumed.
Besides peroxisomal functions, glyoxysomes possess additionally the key enzymes of the glyoxylate cycle (isocitrate lyase and malate synthase) which accomplish the glyoxylate cycle bypass.
Plant peroxisomes also participate in photorespiration and nitrogen metabolism in root nodules.