2H2O2 > 2H2O + O2 What is the substrate, enzyme and end product in this chemical reaction?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The chemical reaction you’ve provided is the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide:
2H2O2 → 2H2O + O2
Substrate:
The substrate in this reaction is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). It is the substance that undergoes a chemical change or reaction. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is broken down into water and oxygen.
Enzyme:
The enzyme responsible for catalyzing this reaction is catalase. Catalase is an enzyme found in many living organisms, including animals, plants, and microorganisms. Its role is to accelerate the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, which is a byproduct of various metabolic processes. Hydrogen peroxide is toxic at high concentrations, so its decomposition is crucial to prevent damage to cells.
End Products:
The end products of this reaction are water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2). The reaction is a decomposition reaction, where hydrogen peroxide breaks down into these two harmless substances. The oxygen gas is released as a byproduct, which is often seen as bubbling when hydrogen peroxide is exposed to the enzyme catalase.
Explanation:
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a reactive molecule that can be harmful to cells, and its accumulation needs to be avoided. Catalase acts as a catalyst to break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, thus preventing cellular damage. This reaction occurs quickly and efficiently, with the production of oxygen bubbles, which is why you see foaming when hydrogen peroxide is applied to a wound or tissue. The enzyme catalase significantly lowers the activation energy required for the reaction, allowing it to proceed at a faster rate without being consumed in the process.
