Catalase

Definition

Catalase is an enzyme that speeds up the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. It helps to protect cells from the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide by converting it into less toxic substances.

Related terms

Enzyme:

A protein molecule that acts as a catalyst in chemical reactions, speeding up the rate at which they occur.

Substrate:

The specific molecule or molecules that an enzyme acts upon, binding to its active site for a reaction to take place.

Enzyme activity: The measure of how efficiently an enzyme converts substrate molecules into product molecules.