Mitochondrial and peroxisomal fractions derived from human white adipocytes

1. A procedure is described for the separation of intact peroxisomes from human white adipocytes using a linear metrizamide gradient (20-50% w/v). 2. Peroxisomes were found in the high density region of the gradient in an intact form. 3. Mitochondria were distributed in the high density and low density regions of the gradient. 4. Lysosomes separated well from the peroxisomes, occurring only in the low density region of the gradient. 5. Low levels of glyoxylate cycle enzyme activities (isocitrate lyase and malate synthase) were detected within the light and heavy mitochondrial pellet fractions.