Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

What is the substrate and the products of the enzyme Catalase?

Hi Conmandoon1010,

So Catalase takes H202, also known as peroxide, and turns it into H20 (water) and oxygen.

chemical reaction:
2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2

So in different terminology the substrate is the peroxide and the products are water and oxygen. You might have seen when you add Catalase to your peroxide solution that bubbles formed, this because you are producing 02. You can tell if the enzyme is working just by watching it. We need Catalase in our bodies to turn peroxide into water and oxygen because too much peroxide acts like an acid and will cause cells to dissolve.

I hope this answered your question!

Amy