The enzyme that breaks down H2O2 into H2O and O2 in animal cells is us...
The correct answer is option 'C', peroxisome.
Peroxisomes are intracellular organelles found in animal cells that play a crucial role in breaking down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen (O2). This process is catalyzed by the enzyme called catalase. Let's explore this in more detail.
- Peroxisomes:
Peroxisomes are small, membrane-bound organelles found in eukaryotic cells, including animal cells. They are involved in various metabolic processes, including the breakdown of fatty acids and the detoxification of harmful substances. Peroxisomes contain several enzymes, including catalase, that are responsible for their specific functions.
- Catalase:
Catalase is an enzyme found in peroxisomes that plays a crucial role in breaking down hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a byproduct of various metabolic reactions in the cell and can be toxic if it accumulates in high concentrations. Catalase converts hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen through a process called dismutation or disproportionation.
- Reaction:
The reaction catalyzed by catalase can be represented as follows:
2 H2O2 -> 2 H2O + O2
- Mechanism:
Catalase accelerates the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide by providing an alternative pathway with a lower activation energy. It does so by breaking down the hydrogen peroxide molecule into two water molecules and one oxygen molecule. The oxygen molecule is released as a gas, while the water molecules remain in the peroxisome or are further utilized by the cell.
- Localization:
Catalase is primarily localized within peroxisomes in animal cells. This localization allows for efficient degradation of hydrogen peroxide within a specific organelle and prevents its accumulation in other parts of the cell, where it could cause damage to cellular components.
In conclusion, the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, is usually found in peroxisomes in animal cells. This localization within peroxisomes ensures the efficient detoxification of hydrogen peroxide and protects the cell from its harmful effects.
The enzyme that breaks down H2O2 into H2O and O2 in animal cells is us...
Peroxisomes contain enzymes that oxidize certain molecules normally found in the cell, notably fatty acids and amino acids. Those oxidation reactions produce hydrogen peroxide, which is the basis of the name peroxisome.