What are the differences between lysosomes and peroxisomes?

Basis of differentiation 

Lysosomes 

Peroxisomes 

Definition 

Are cellular organelles that are responsible for degrading biological polymers such as proteins and polysaccharides

Are cellular organelles that are responsible for oxidizing organic compounds and degrading metabolic hydrogen peroxides

Occurrence

Occur only in animals

Occur in all eukaryotes

Origin 

May be derived from the endoplasmic reticulum or Golgi apparatus 

Are derived from the endoplasmic reticulum

Size 

Are comparatively larger in size

Are comparatively smaller in size

Composition 

Contain degradative enzymes that help to digest all extracellular materials including food, wastes, and invading pathogens

Contain oxidative enzymes that help to catalyze redox reactions

Function 

• Degradation of biomolecules, dysfunctional or exhausted organelles, and superfluous extracellular substances 
• Endocytosis
• Autophagy
• Phagocytosis

• Protection of the cell against metabolic hydrogen peroxide
• Biosynthesis of lipids 
• Photorespiration

Generation of energy

No energy is generated as all reactions are degradative

ATP energy is generated as all reactions are oxidative