Catalase Enzyme

It defends the cell against oxidative damage caused by high levels of reactive oxygen species. Many metabolic pathways in the cell produce reactive oxygen species as a byproduct. Chemically, they are reactive. Peroxides, superoxides, singlet oxygen, and the hydroxyl radical are examples. They might drastically rise in the presence of environmental stress, resulting in oxidative stress. They must be transformed immediately to avoid possible harm to cells and tissues. As a result, the cell uses catalase to break them down into less reactive forms. In a split second, one catalase may convert millions of hydrogen peroxide molecules to water and oxygen. In most cases, catalase is found in the peroxisome.

An Explanation About Catalase Enzyme-

Now we will take a deeper look at what do we mean by enzyme, catalase enzyme and catalase enzyme function and finally at activator of catalase enzyme is

Enzyme-

An enzyme is a kind of biomolecule that may be made biologically (naturally) or by other methods (synthetically). Its primary role is to serve as a catalyst, speeding up a chemical reaction while remaining unchanged in the process. Enzymes are protein molecules with a particular amino acid sequence that folds to form a three-dimensional structure that provides the molecule its unique capabilities.

Proteins are one of the primary macromolecules, with carbohydrates (particularly polysaccharides), lipids, and nucleic acids rounding out the list. Enzymes are proteins that are formed up of polymers of amino acids in nature. The amino acids are held together by peptide bonds. 

The type and sequence of amino acids in the enzyme protein are encoded by the DNA in the cell that produces it. Not all proteins are enzymes, and not all enzymes are proteins. Ribozymes are examples of enzymes that aren’t proteinaceous in nature. A ribozyme is an RNA-based enzyme rather than a protein-based enzyme. The ribosome, which is a compound of protein and catalytic RNA molecules, is an example of a ribozyme.

Catalase enzyme and Catalase enzyme function-

Catalase is an enzyme that initiates (catalyses) the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Catalase, which is abundant in organisms that exist in the presence of oxygen, inhibits the build-up of peroxide, which is continually created by multiple metabolic processes, and protects cellular organelles and tissues from harm.

It is mostly found in mammalian cells’ peroxisomes. It’s a tetrameric enzyme made up of four identical 60 kDa tetrahedrally organised subunits, each with a heme group and NADPH in its active core. 

Depending on the quantity of H2O2, catalase has two enzymatic activities. Catalase works catalytically to remove H2O2 by producing H2O and O2 when H2O2 levels are high (catalytic reaction). Catalase, on the other hand, functions peroxidically at low concentrations of H2O2 and in the presence of a suitable hydrogen donor, such as ethanol, methanol, phenol, and others, eliminating H2O2 but oxidising its substrate (peroxidatic reaction). 

Catalase is produced in abundance in the liver and kidneys, which aid in the removal of toxins from the body. Because red blood cells’ duty is to carry oxygen, which causes a lot of hydrogen peroxide, they manufacture a lot of the enzyme. Catalase may be found in numerous distinct cellular compartments, including the mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouse) and peroxisomes (cellular organelles that break down fatty acids and hydrogen peroxide)

Catalase is used in a variety of industries. It is employed in the food industry in the preservation of foodstuffs, as well as the production of drinks and some food products, in conjunction with other enzymes. Hydrogen peroxide in wastewater is also broken down by commercial catalases.

Catalase is a critical enzyme that uses hydrogen peroxide, a nonradical ROS, as a source of energy. This enzyme is in charge of breaking down hydrogen peroxide and neutralising it, ensuring that the molecule is not damaged. In the cell, it maintains at an optimum level, which is critical for cellular signalling processes.

Activator of catalase enzyme is-

Catalase is an enzyme containing four iron heme groups that enables it to bind to hydrogen peroxide and react with it. Catalase is a catalase enzyme that is activated by iron, after its activation the further process of catalase enzyme goes on.

Conclusion-

In this article we read about enzymes as in catalase enzymes, catalase enzyme functions, and catalase enzyme activators. Catalase is one of the most essential antioxidant enzymes because hydrogen peroxide is a severe oxidising agent. Humans and other sophisticated creatures have evolved to depend on hydrogen peroxide to some extent. It may cause the immune system to get activated, and immune cells can destroy germs by blasting them with oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide. Catalase aids in the regulation of these systems, ensuring that toxic by-products do not cause excessive harm to cells. Catalase prevents damage without interfering with critical signalling pathways.