Catalase

Definition

Catalase is an enzyme that helps break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Catalase is a highly efficient enzyme found in nearly all living organisms that are exposed to oxygen. It catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, a harmful byproduct of many metabolic processes, into harmless substances—water and oxygen—thereby preventing cellular damage from oxidative stress.

Benefits

• Protects cells from oxidative damage.
• Helps maintain cellular health by decomposing harmful hydrogen peroxide.
• Supports the body's natural antioxidant defense mechanisms.

Examples

• Liver
• Potatoes
• Apples
• Yeast

Additional Information

• Effects: Catalase plays a critical role in detoxifying hydrogen peroxide, preventing damage to tissues and organs, and supporting overall cellular health.

Related Terms

• Antioxidants
• Free Radicals
• Hydrogen Peroxide
• Enzymes

References

• Catalase: A Multifunctional Enzyme in Food Science
• The Role of Catalase in Human Health and Disease