The changes in activities of glyoxysomal and peroxisomal enzymes during the transition from fat degradation to photosynthesis were investigated with the cotyledns of rape (Brassica napus L.) seedlings. The development and disappearance of glyoxysomal enzyme (isocitrate lyase, EC 4.1.3.1; malate dehydrogenase, EC 1.1.1.37; catalase, EC 1.11.1.6) activities took place independently of light. It is concluded that the mobilization of storage fat is independent of photomorphogenesis. During early periods of development in the dark of light (days 1 through 3), the glyoxysomal enzyme activities were relatively high and the enzyme activities rose to a peak at 3rd day after sowing. Thereafter, the activities decreased gradually. While glyoxysomal enzyme activities were dropping, the peroxisomal enzyme (glycolate oxidase, EC 1.1.3.1) activities were increasing rapidly during the transition period in the light. Moreover, the changes of enzyme activities of the common microbody marker, catalase, indicated both functional patterns. The enzyme patterns in rape cotyledons indicate that the glyoxysomal function of microbodies is replaced by the peroxisomal function of these organelles during the transition from fat degradation to photosynthesis.