Catalase refers to a popular enzyme that is found in majority of active organisms. Catalase is a very powerful catalyst that is required in facilitating life processes. It is necessary for converting destructive products resulting from the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. It also reacts to body toxins such as alcohol, formic acid, phenols and formaldehyde. Besides playing catalytic roles, catalase is used in other ways that include extracting hydrogen peroxide in milk before making cheese and disinfecting contact lens. It is also used averting oxidation in food due to use of food wrappers.
Importance of Catalase Enzymes in the Body
Catalase enzymes are highly efficient and are known to generate speedy responses against free radicals changing them to oxygen and water. This makes catalase an important antioxidant. There are ongoing studies to see how catalase extends vitality and life span. So far, research indicates possibility that catalase enzymes contain anti-degenerative and anti-aging abilities. Catalase is also plays an important role in reducing fat levels in the body. Studies performed in Japan reflect that there is a connection between catalase enzymes and reduced levels of organ fats. The study also displayed a connection between catalase enzymes and rising strength in muscles. Catalase enzymes are important for preventing DNA destruction.
Factors that affect Catalase Activity
The speed at which catalase enzymes perform their activities is affected by different factors. These include pH levels, temperature, substrate levels, salt content and presence of activators or inhibitors. In all biochemical processes, temperature is an essential factor because high temperature levels denaturalize enzymes. As enzymes denature, there are changes in their conformation. This causes binding of substrates to be less efficient resulting to decreased reaction. However, reaction levels increase with rising temperature until the highest temperature is attained. The maximum temperature differs for each kind of catalase enzyme.
