139k views
4 votes
Is a catalase reusable?

User Canardman
by
8.0k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

Catalase is a reusable enzyme that acts as a catalyst, converting hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen without being consumed in the process, demonstrated by the catalase test in laboratories.

Step-by-step explanation:

Yes, catalase is a reusable enzyme. Catalase enzymatically converts highly reactive hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water and oxygen. As a catalyst, this enzyme increases the rate of the chemical reaction without being used or changed during the process, enabling it to be used repeatedly. The catalase test, a common laboratory technique, demonstrates this by identifying whether bacteria produce catalase by observing bubble formation when hydrogen peroxide is added to a bacterial culture. A positive result, seen as bubbling, implies that the bacteria can produce catalase and likely live aerobically, thereby detoxifying reactive oxygen species like hydrogen peroxide.

User Sdkcy
by
8.0k points

No related questions found