Cells produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a toxic by-product of normal cellular reactions. The enzyme catalase quickly breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. In other words, catalase protects cells from the toxic effects of hydrogen peroxide. All aerobic cells produce catalase. One molecule of catalase enzyme may work on 40 million molecules of hydrogen peroxide per second! If you have used hydrogen peroxide to clean a cut, you have seen catalase in action. When hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with the cut, it reacts with the catalase enzyme in the damaged cells to produce oxygen foam. When the catalase reaction is conducted in a test-tube, the oxygen gas bubbles. The height of the foam is an indication of the amount of catalase activity present. HypothesisState a hypothesis concerning the relative abilities of the various tissue types to catalyze the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Procedure
ResultsPrepare a bar graph of catalase activity. Include labels. Analysis
The effect of temperature on the activity of catalaseMaterials
HypothesisState a hypothesis concerning the relative action of catalase at various temperatures. Refer to section 6.1 Procedure
ResultsPrepare a line graph of catalase activity as influenced by temperature. Analysis
Why is catalase important in hydrogen peroxide?Catalase is a key enzyme which uses hydrogen peroxide, a nonradical ROS, as its substrate. This enzyme is responsible for neutralization through decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, thereby maintaining an optimum level of the molecule in the cell which is also essential for cellular signaling processes.
Does catalase converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen?Mammalian catalase is known for its facile ability to convert hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen (catalatic activity), and its activity oxidizing low molecular weight alcohols in the presence of low concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (peroxidatic activity).
Why is the catalase reaction so important to living things?Catalase is a very common enzyme that is present in almost all organisms that are exposed to oxygen. The purpose of catalase in living cells is to protect them from oxidative damage, which can occur when cells or other molecules in the body come into contact with oxidative compounds.
Which enzyme converts the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen?Catalases (EC 1.11. 1.6) are antioxidant enzymes that catalyze the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and molecular oxygen.
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