Final answer:
Catalase is the enzyme responsible for converting hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The catalase test is used to detect the presence of catalase enzyme in bacteria. The addition of manganese dioxide can also catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.
Step-by-step explanation:
The enzyme catalase is responsible for converting hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water and oxygen. This reaction is shown in Equation 3: 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂.
The catalase test is used to detect the presence of the catalase enzyme in bacteria. The test involves mixing a small amount of a bacterial culture with hydrogen peroxide. If the bacteria have the catalase enzyme, the hydrogen peroxide will be split, resulting in the release of oxygen gas.
Adding manganese dioxide (MnO₂) to hydrogen peroxide can also catalyze its decomposition, resulting in the formation of oxygen gas and water. This reaction can be written as follows: 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂.