Definition

Noun: * Catalase: An enzyme found in most plant and animal cells that functions as an oxidative catalyst; it decomposes hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water.

Usage

• Catalase is a specific, scientific term used primarily in biology, biochemistry, and medicine. It refers to a crucial enzyme that protects cells from damage by reactive oxygen species.
• It is used as a countable noun (e.g., , ) but often appears in an uncountable context when discussing its general function or presence.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Liver tissue has a very high concentration of catalase.
  • The function of catalase is to break down hydrogen peroxide, a harmful byproduct of metabolism.
  • Scientists measured the catalase activity in the different cell samples.

Advanced Usage

• Catalase test: A common microbiological test used to identify bacteria based on their production of the catalase enzyme.
  • The catalase test is a quick way to distinguish Staphylococcus from Streptococcus.
• Catalase-positive/catalase-negative: Terms used to describe organisms that produce or do not produce catalase.
  • Most aerobic bacteria are catalase-positive.

Variants and Related Words

• Enzyme (n): A protein that acts as a biological catalyst to speed up chemical reactions.
• Peroxidase (n): A broader class of enzymes that catalyze the decomposition of peroxides, including hydrogen peroxide. Catalase is a specific type of peroxidase.
• Antioxidant (n): A substance that inhibits oxidation. Catalase functions as an important biological antioxidant.

Synonyms

• There are no direct common-language synonyms for this specific scientific term. The definition itself serves as its explanation. In technical contexts, it may be referred to as:
  • Hydrogen-peroxide oxidoreductase (its systematic enzyme classification name).

Related Phrases

• To break down/decompose hydrogen peroxide: This is the primary action of catalase and is often used to describe its function.
  • The enzyme's role is to break down hydrogen peroxide into harmless substances.
• Oxidative catalyst / Antioxidant enzyme: Phrases describing the functional category of catalase.
  • Catalase is a key antioxidant enzyme in the cell's defense system.

Noun

1. enzyme found in most plant and animal cells that functions as an oxidative catalyst; decomposes hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water