The peroxisome is a ubiquitous, subcellular organelle participating in a di
verse array of metabolic pathways. The peroxisomal membrane and its compone
nts play a key role in organelle assembly and functions. Disorders related
to peroxisomal membranes are the peroxisome biogenesis disorders and X-link
ed adrenoleukodystrophy. Identification and functional characterization of
these disease genes is proceeding at rapid pace helped immeasurably by work
in various yeast model systems. The ultimate goal is to elucidate how the
encoded proteins interact to produce apparently normal and functioning pero
xisomes. The achievement of this goal will lead to a better understanding o
f disease pathogenesis and hopefully open therapeutic options.