Final answer:
The enzyme called catalase is responsible for converting hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2), helping to reduce the potential cellular damage caused by the reactive nature of hydrogen peroxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
Enzymatic Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide
The enzyme responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide, H2O2, into water, H2O, and oxygen gas, O2, is catalase. Hydrogen peroxide is an unstable molecule that has bleach-like properties and serves as an environmentally safe alternative to chlorine-based bleaches. It is widely used as an antiseptic and is recognized by the FDA as safe. Hydroperoxidases, like peroxidase and catalase, play a crucial role in the destruction of hydrogen peroxide within the body and in various commercial applications.
Hydrogen peroxide functions by releasing free radicals that can damage cellular structures, which is helpful for its application as a disinfectant. However, this also means that hydrogen peroxide can be harmful to the cells of the organism it's in, so enzymes like catalase are important for converting it into less reactive substances. Moreover, the presence of catalase can dramatically increase the rate of decomposition, preventing the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide and protecting cellular components from damage.