Question

Given its reactive nature, oxygen is essential to cellular metabolic reactions. Peroxisomes use oxygen to break down fatty acids. In doing so, they use oxygen to remove hydrogens from fatty acid chains, yielding hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Cells also routinely release potentially destructive molecules, such as superoxide (O2) in signaling, self-defense, or as a metabolic side product. Superoxide combines with hydrogen peroxide to make an even more destructive molecule called a hydroxyl radical. Therefore, the removal of these two reactants is a routine "housekeeping" chore within the cell. Which enzyme is used to prevent hydrogen peroxide accumulation in the peroxisome?

Answer 1

Answer:

Catalase

Explanation:

These reactive oxygen specie or free radicals that cause damage or injury to cells also lead to oxidative stress if unchecked by antioxidants. As suggested in the question, there are several enzymes that act as antioxidants in mitigating the effects of these reactive oxygen specie or free radicals. These enzymes include catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathiones (such as glutathione s-transferase).

The enzyme that however prevents the accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the peroxisome is catalase. Catalase is an enzyme that is present in the peroxisome; it (catalase) detoxifies/acts on H₂O₂, converting it (H₂O₂) into water and oxygen.