Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, playing a crucial role in protecting cells from oxidative damage. It is one of the fastest acting enzymes, with a high turnover rate, and is found in nearly all living organisms exposed to oxygen.

Enzyme Catalase

Catalase is an enzyme found in nearly all living organisms exposed to oxygen, where it facilitates the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thus protecting cells from oxidative damage. It plays a crucial role in cellular defense mechanisms and is used in various industrial and clinical applications due to its efficiency in breaking down hydrogen peroxide.

Catalase

Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. They are highly specific to their substrates and operate under optimal conditions of temperature and pH to maintain cellular function and metabolism.

Enzyme

Decomposition of hydrogen peroxide

Water is a vital molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, essential for all known forms of life. It exists in three states—liquid, solid, and gas—and plays a crucial role in Earth's climate, biological processes, and as a solvent in chemical reactions.

Water

Oxygen is a colorless, odorless gas essential for life on Earth, making up about 21% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is crucial for cellular respiration in most living organisms and plays a vital role in combustion and various industrial processes.

Oxygen

Oxidative damage refers to the harm caused to cells and tissues by reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can lead to cellular dysfunction and contribute to various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. It is a significant factor in the aging process and is counteracted by antioxidants, which neutralize ROS and mitigate their damaging effects.

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