Final answer:
Catalase detoxifies the peroxide anion (H₂O₂) by converting it to water and oxygen, a crucial process in protecting the cell from damage. The correct option is D) peroxide anion
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme catalase detoxifies the peroxide anion (H₂O₂), which is a harmful byproduct of metabolic processes, such as the Electron Transport Chain (ETC) during cellular respiration. When molecular oxygen (O₂) accepts only two electrons instead of the usual four, hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is formed, which attacks and damages cellular components, including unsaturated fatty acids in the cell membrane.
Through its action, catalase converts this harmful hydrogen peroxide into water (H₂O) and molecular oxygen (O₂), as shown in the reaction 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂. Therefore, the answer to the question, 'Which of the following forms of oxygen is detoxified by the enzyme catalase?' is D) peroxide anion. The correct option is D) peroxide anion