KATALASE Meaning and
Definition
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Katalase is a naturally occurring enzyme found in living organisms, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. It is commonly referred to as catalase in English. This enzyme is primarily responsible for the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The name "katalase" is derived from the Greek words "katalassein" and "ase," which mean "to dissolve completely" and "enzyme" respectively.
Katalase is a crucial enzyme in protecting cells from the harmful effects of hydrogen peroxide, a byproduct of various metabolic reactions. This enzyme helps maintain the balance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cell by catalyzing the conversion of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, preventing the accumulation of toxic levels of hydrogen peroxide.
Besides its role in the detoxification of hydrogen peroxide, katalase is also involved in other biological processes. It is required for the metabolism of alcohol in the liver, where it breaks down ethanol into acetaldehyde and subsequently into acetic acid. Additionally, katalase plays a role in the immune system by assisting in the destruction of pathogens and foreign substances.
The activity of katalase can be influenced by various factors, such as temperature, pH, and concentration of substrates. Changes in these conditions can affect the efficiency of this enzyme, potentially leading to oxidative stress and cellular damage.
Overall, katalase is an essential enzyme that plays a vital role in maintaining cellular health and protecting organisms from oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide.
Common Misspellings for KATALASE
- jatalase
- matalase
- latalase
- oatalase
- iatalase
- kztalase
- kstalase
- kwtalase
- kqtalase
- karalase
- kafalase
- kagalase
- kayalase
- ka6alase
- ka5alase
- katzlase
- katslase
- katwlase
- katqlase
- katakase
Etymology of KATALASE
The word "katalase" is derived from the Greek word "katalasys", which means "dissolution" or "decomposition". "Katalase" is a variation of the word, used specifically to refer to the enzyme catalase. The term "catalase" was coined by the French chemist Louis Jacques Thénard in 1818. The word is a combination of "catalysis", which refers to the acceleration of a chemical reaction by a catalyst, and the suffix "-ase", which denotes an enzyme. The term "catalase" thus represents an enzyme that enables catalysis.
