Why do cells need to make the catalase enzyme.

Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)
11th Edition
ISBN:9780134580999
Author:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Publisher:Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn
Chapter1: The Human Body: An Orientation
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Why do cells need to make the catalase enzyme.

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Catalase enzyme production is required by cells for several important reasons, the most important of which is the control of dangerous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), which results in various cellular functions including respiration:

Detoxification: Hydrogen peroxide is a reactive oxygen species (ROS) that has the potential to be very harmful to cells. Catalase aids in cell detoxification by rapidly converting hydrogen peroxide into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). This enzyme process avoids the formation of H2O2 and protects the cell from oxidative damage.

Protection against Oxidative Stress: In addition to hydrogen peroxide produced during cellular metabolism, cells can be exposed to external sources of ROS, such as UV light or certain compounds. Catalase is essential to neutralize these exogenous ROS, maintain the overall redox balance of the cell, and help protect against oxidative stress.


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