Question

There is a large amount of catalase found in a human liver. Does the liver break down more H2O in the summer or winter?

a) Summer
b) Winter
c) The same in both seasons
d) Depends on the individual's health

Answer 1

The liver breaks down hydrogen peroxide using the enzyme catalase at similar rates throughout the year, unaffected by seasonal changes. The correct answer to whether the liver breaks down more H₂O in the summer or winter is (c) The same in both seasons'.

Step-by-step explanation:

The subject in question is the activity of the enzyme catalase, which is found in high concentrations in the human liver. Catalase has the essential role of converting the toxic hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into harmless water and oxygen. This reaction is crucial for protecting cells from oxidative damage caused by the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide, a natural byproduct of cellular metabolism.

Given that the liver is a temperature-regulated organ and the catalase function is related to metabolic processes that are consistent throughout the year, it does not significantly break down more H₂O in either the summer or winter. Hence, the correct answer is that the liver degrades hydrogen peroxide at similar rates during both seasons, which is (c) The same in both seasons'. This is because the metabolic activities and the associated catalase function are generally unaffected by seasonal changes. Individual health might influence overall metabolism, but it does not typically alter the baseline function of the catalase enzyme with respect to seasons.

Answer 2

The liver breaks down hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen at the same rate in both summer and winter, as catalase activity is not influenced by seasonal changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question deals with the activity of catalase, an enzyme found in high concentrations in the human liver, whose role is to convert hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). The activity of catalase is not directly influenced by seasonal changes such as summer or winter. Rather, it is dependent on the presence of its substrate hydrogen peroxide, which may vary due to metabolic processes and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation. Therefore, the liver breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen at the same rate in both summer and winter, unless affected by individual health variables. Hence, the correct answer is (c) The same in both seasons.