... use of enzymes. However, the reaction is so slow that levels would rapidly increase which would result in death of that organism. One method of rapid detoxification is the use of enzymes, these act as catalysts which greatly increase the rate of chemical reactions, therefore, maintaining a safe level of H2O2 in the body. The enzyme, catalase, is responsible for detoxifying hydrogen peroxide. Catalase has one of the highest turnover numbers for all known enzymes (40,000,000 molecules/second). This high rate shows the importance for the enzymes capability for detoxifying hydrogen peroxide and preventing the formation of carbon dioxide bubbles in the blood. The liver contains many different types of enzymes, including catalase, each capable of breaking down one type of poison. This is the reaction that takes place between the substrate and the enzyme: CATALASE 2H2O2 2H2O + O2 The effect of catalase on hydrogen peroxide has already been observed ...

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