Catalase is a crucial enzyme found in nearly all living organisms exposed to oxygen, including bacteria, plants, and animals. It plays a vital role in protecting cells from oxidative damage by breaking down hydrogen peroxide, a harmful byproduct of various metabolic processes, into water and oxygen. This enzyme is highly efficient, with each catalase molecule capable of converting millions of hydrogen peroxide molecules per second. Structurally, catalase typically exists as a homotetrameric heme protein, with each subunit containing an iron-containing heme group that facilitates the catalytic process. Beyond its biological role, catalase has numerous industrial applications, such as in food preservation, textile manufacturing, and environmental bioremediation.
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