How Do You Spell CATALASE?

Pronunciation: [kˈatɐlˌe͡ɪs] (IPA)

The word "catalase" is spelled with emphasis on the second syllable. The IPA phonetic transcription for "catalase" is /ˈkætəleɪs/. The "c" is pronounced as /k/ while "a" is pronounced as /æ/. The "t" is pronounced as /t/ while "a" in the middle is pronounced as /ə/. The "l" is pronounced as /l/ and the "e" at the end is pronounced as /eɪ/. Catalase is a common enzyme found in most living organisms and is responsible for breaking down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

CATALASE Meaning and Definition

  1. Catalase is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in biological systems by facilitating the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. It is found in various living organisms, including humans, animals, and plants. Catalase is classified as a peroxidase enzyme and is responsible for speeding up the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, which is a harmful byproduct of many metabolic processes.

    At a molecular level, catalase is a large protein composed of four subunits. Each subunit contains an iron-containing heme group, which is responsible for the enzyme's catalytic activity. The enzyme acts by binding to the hydrogen peroxide molecule, breaking it down into water and molecular oxygen through a process known as dismutation. This reaction helps prevent the accumulation of toxic levels of hydrogen peroxide, which can damage cells and tissues.

    The activity of catalase is influenced by several factors, including temperature, pH level, and the presence of certain inhibitors or activators. It is primarily found within specialized organelles called peroxisomes, which are responsible for maintaining cellular redox balance and detoxification. In humans, catalase is abundantly present in various body tissues, such as the liver, red blood cells, and kidneys.

    The presence or absence of catalase activity in certain organisms is often utilized to distinguish and classify bacteria, as some bacteria produce catalase while others do not. Catalase testing is a common diagnostic tool in the field of microbiology and is used to identify bacteria and assess their ability to break down hydrogen peroxide.

  2. A supposed enzyme in plant and animal tissues capable of effecting the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CATALASE

Etymology of CATALASE

The word "catalase" has its roots in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "katalasis", which means "dissolution" or "decomposition". The suffix "-ase" is added to indicate that it is an enzyme. Therefore, the term "catalase" refers to an enzyme that facilitates the breakdown or decomposition of substances.

Similar spelling words for CATALASE

Plural form of CATALASE is CATALASES

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