Question

question 4 / 10
organisms produce hydrogen peroxide (h₂o₂), a by - product of metabolism that is toxic to cells. the catalase protein catalyzes the reaction shown below:
2h₂o₂→2h₂o + o₂
which statement describes the reaction?
a. water is the substrate.
b. hydrogen peroxide is the enzyme.
c. catalase is consumed by the reaction.
d. oxygen gas is a product of the reaction.

Explanation:

• In the reaction \(2H_2O_2

ightarrow2H_2O + O_2\), hydrogen peroxide (\(H_2O_2\)) is the substrate that is broken down.

• Catalase is an enzyme that speeds up the reaction but is not consumed (so option C is wrong).
• Water (\(H_2O\)) and oxygen (\(O_2\)) are products. Since \(O_2\) (oxygen gas) is a product, option D is correct. Option A is wrong as water is a product, not the substrate. Option B is wrong as hydrogen peroxide is the substrate, not the enzyme (catalase is the enzyme).

Answer:

D. Oxygen gas is a product of the reaction.