Question

The specificity of catalase only to hydrogen peroxide can be shown by comparing:.

Answer 1

The specificity of catalase enzyme to hydrogen peroxide can be shown by comparing its reaction with other substrates. Catalase specifically converts hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). Other compounds or substrates do not undergo this specific enzymatic reaction with catalase.

Step-by-step explanation:

The specificity of catalase enzyme to hydrogen peroxide can be shown by comparing its reaction with other substrates. Catalase specifically converts hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂), as shown in the equation 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂. Other compounds or substrates do not undergo this specific enzymatic reaction with catalase.

For example, catalase does not act on organic peroxide or other peroxides. The function of catalase is to specifically destroy hydrogen peroxide, which is a reactive molecule that can potentially damage biomolecules in cells.

Therefore, by comparing the reaction of catalase with different substrates, it becomes evident that catalase is specifically designed to target and break down hydrogen peroxide only.

Answer 2

The specificity of catalase towards hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) can be demonstrated by comparing it to its interaction with other potential substrates in various ways.

Here are some potential options:

**1. Reaction Rates:**

* Measure the rate at which catalase decomposes H₂O₂ compared to other potential substrates like organic peroxides, superoxide anions, or other reactive oxygen species. The significantly higher rate with H₂O₂ would indicate preferential reactivity.

**2. Substrate Binding Affinity:**

* Compare the binding affinity of catalase for H₂O₂ versus other potential substrates using techniques like surface plasmon resonance or isothermal titration calorimetry. A much stronger binding with H₂O₂ suggests high specificity.

**3. Structural Analysis:**

* Analyze the crystal structure of catalase in complex with different substrates or use computational modeling to compare binding interactions. The unique fit of H₂O₂ within the active site, involving specific amino acid residues, would support specificity.

**4. Mutagenesis Studies:**

* Introduce mutations into the active site of catalase and measure the resulting changes in H₂O₂ decomposition activity and binding. Changes that significantly impact H₂O₂ interaction but minimally affect other potential substrates would suggest crucial residues for H₂O₂ specificity.

**5. Enzyme Inhibition:**

* Identify molecules that competitively inhibit catalase with H₂O₂ but have minimal effect on its interaction with other substrates. Such specific inhibitors would point to unique features of H₂O₂ recognition.

Choosing the best method depends on your specific lab setup, budget, and research goals. Each approach provides different insights into the molecular basis of catalase's specificity.

It's important to note that although catalase primarily targets H₂O₂, it might exhibit low-level activity towards certain other substrates. However, demonstrating significantly higher reactivity and binding affinity towards H₂O₂ compared to other potential candidates through any of the mentioned methods would strongly support catalase's specific enzyme function.