Peroxisomes are spherical organelles that compartmentalize many metabolic reactions. If this introduction doesn't sound overly appealing, go to the peroxisome website — created and maintained in Stephen J. Gould's laboratory — and you'll develop a deep love for these organelles.

The site is unique in that the information is pitched at three levels: scientist, physician or layperson. The scientist will find a comprehensive and up-to-date review of peroxisome biology, whereas the physician's version focuses on peroxisomal disorders. And your hypochondriac grandfather will be able to surf the layperson's version, and discover all sorts of peroxisome-related diseases that he might have.

In the scientist's version, after the first page of introduction, you can go in two directions: peroxisome biogenesis or biochemistry of the peroxisome. The two directions then zoom in on individual molecule pages or enzymatic reaction pages, respectively. The molecule pages are short summaries about the different peroxins, with a comprehensive bibliography. There are also links to sidetrack pages that comment on controversies in the field. The only possible concern about the site is that, as it is the creation of a single laboratory, these comments might carry some bias.

The site has no fancy web stuff — the cartoons are simple, and there are no animations or flashing headers — but the graphics, although simple, are pleasant to look at. More importantly, the information is beautifully organized. Peroxisomes are far less well understood than other organelles, so the amount of information is not yet overwhelming. But the creators of this site have demonstrated here what you can do with a bit of time and love for your research.