Hydrogen peroxide catalysis (CAT (for catalase); PRDX (for peroxiredoxins/peroxidases), if context-specific)

Hydrogen peroxide catalysis refers to the enzymatic or chemical decomposition and transformation of hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species, into less reactive products—primarily water and molecular oxygen. The process is mediated primarily by the enzyme catalase, which rapidly converts hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen to protect cells from oxidative damage, and by peroxidases, which catalyze the reduction of hydrogen peroxide along with the oxidation of other substrates[3][5][9]. These reactions are crucial to cellular redox homeostasis, signaling, and defense against oxidative stress. Disruption in hydrogen peroxide metabolism is linked to a wide range of pathological conditions including cancer, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and aging. Hydrogen peroxide is also involved in cell signaling at low concentrations but is cytotoxic at elevated levels[2][6].

Other names

Hydrogen peroxide decomposing enzymePeroxidaseH₂O₂ scavenger

Catalysis of hydrogen peroxide decomposition into water and oxygen; Oxidation of other organic and inorganic substrates using hydrogen peroxide