Description
Background/Introduction: Catalase is an antioxidant enzyme ubiquitously present in mammalian and non-mammalian aerobic cells containing a cytochrome system. It was initially isolated from ox liver and later from blood, bacterial, and plant sources. The enzyme contains 4 ferrihemoprotein groups per molecule. The enzyme has a molecular mass of 240 kDa. Catalase activity varies greatly between tissues. The activity is highest in the liver and kidney, and lowest in connective tissues. In eukaryotic cells the enzyme is concentrated in the subcellular organelles called peroxisomes (microbodies). Catalase catalyses the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is formed in the eukaryotic cell as a by-product of various oxidase and superoxide dismutase reactions. Hydrogen peroxide is highly deleterious to the cell and its accumulation causes oxidation of cellular targets such as DNA, proteins, and lipids leading to mutagenesis and cell death. Removal of the H2O2 from the cell by catalase provides protection against oxidative damage to the cell. It's role in oxidative stress related diseases has been widely studied. The assay is initiated with the enzymatic hydrolysis of H2O2 by CAT. H2O2 can be measured at a colorimetric readout at 240 nm