How do peroxisomes change when you drink alcohol?

When you consume alcohol, peroxisomes in liver cells increase in number and activity to help metabolize the alcohol and detoxify its byproducts. They enhance the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of harmful substances, leading to the production of hydrogen peroxide, which is then converted to water by catalase. This increased activity can contribute to oxidative stress and liver damage if alcohol consumption is excessive and chronic. Thus, while peroxisomes play a protective role, their overactivity can lead to cellular harm.