Over the last decade, a series of dramatic research findings have served to emphasise 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 recent 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.