Question

Select the option which is incorrect for enzyme catalase
A) The cofactor present is inorganic and proteinaceous in nature
B) Haem is the prosthetic group required by the enzyme
C) The cofactor required for the optimal activity must be tightly bound to the apoenzyme
D) It catalyses breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen

Answer 1

An enzyme is a biological catalyst which is a protein. It helps in increasing the rate of a reaction in the cell and it does not get consumed in the reaction. It can be used over and over again.

Complete answer:
Catalase is an enzyme which helps protect the cells of the body from oxidative damage caused by reactive oxygen species. Let us analyze the options to find out the correct option about enzyme catalase.

Option A: Catalase enzymes are proteinaceous in nature just like all the other enzymes. However, they are organic in nature due to the presence of organic prosthetic groups and other organic elements present to form it.Therefore, this is the correct option.

Option B: Haem is the iron containing a prosthetic group in catalase enzyme. Prosthetic groups are non-protein organic cofactors that are firmly associated with the protein part of the enzyme so that enzymes can perform their function.Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option C: Catalase is a conjugated enzyme which requires the protein part of the enzyme (apoenzyme) to be tightly bound to the non protein part of the enzyme called cofactor so that it can function properly.Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Option D: The Catalase enzyme catalyzes the decomposition reaction of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen.Therefore, this is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct answer is option (A) The cofactor present is inorganic and proteinaceous in nature.

Note: Catalase is a tetramer which is formed of four subunits each of which is nearly 500 amino acids long and the optimum pH for catalase is 7 which is the neutral pH.It is a very important enzyme in protecting the cell from oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS).