[Catalase: structure, properties, functions]

Abstract

Catalase (EC 1.11.1.6) is an enzyme which is present mainly in the peroxisomes of mammalian cells. It is a tetrameric enzyme consisting of four identical, tetrahedrally arranged subunits of 60 kDa, each containing in its active center a heme group and NADPH. Catalase has two enzymatic activities depending on the concentration of H2O2. If the concentration of H2O2 is high, catalase acts catalytically, i.e. removes H2O2 by forming H2O and O2 (catalatic reaction). However, at a low concentration of H2O2 and in the presence of a suitable hydrogen donor, e.g. ethanol, methanol, phenol, and others, catalase acts peroxidically, removing H2O2, but oxidizing its substrate (peroxidatic reaction). The review article presents current knowledge about the structure, properties, and functions of catalase in living organisms.