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Multiple Choice
Which enzyme converts hydrogen peroxide (\(H_2O_2\)), formed during aerobic respiration, into water and oxygen?
A
Catalase
B
Glutathione reductase
C
Superoxide dismutase
D
Peroxidase
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the context: Hydrogen peroxide (
) is a reactive oxygen species formed during aerobic respiration. It can be harmful to cells if not properly managed, so enzymes are required to neutralize it.
Identify the role of each enzyme listed: Catalase, Glutathione reductase, Superoxide dismutase, and Peroxidase. Determine which enzyme specifically breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water (
) and oxygen (
).
Recall the function of catalase: Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The reaction can be represented as:
<2H_2O_2 → 2H_2O + O_2>
.
Compare catalase with the other enzymes: Glutathione reductase is involved in maintaining the reduced form of glutathione, Superoxide dismutase converts superoxide radicals (
) into hydrogen peroxide and oxygen, and Peroxidase typically reduces hydrogen peroxide using electron donors but does not produce oxygen.
Conclude that catalase is the correct enzyme for this specific reaction, as it directly converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen without requiring additional substrates or electron donors.