Description

Catalase is a common enzyme found in nearly all living organisms that are exposed to oxygen, where it functions to Catalase the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Catalase has one of the highest turnover numbers of all enzymes; one molecule of catalase can convert 40 million molecules of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen each second.

Activity: 100000 u/gm

Unit Definition: The amount of enzyme which catalyzes the decomposition of one micromole of H2O2 per minute at 25°C and pH 7.00

Solubility: Soluble in distilled water or dilute buffer.

Assay Methods:
The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, which is a measure of catalase activity, can be followed by measuring the absorbance at 240 nm

Reagents:

1. 0.05 M Potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.0.
2. 0.05% Hydrogen Peroxide (substrate) solution. Dilute 0.2 ml of 30% H2O2 to 100 ml with phosphate buffer. The
absorbance at 240 nm should be in the range of 0.50-0.55.
3. Catalase (enzyme) solution. Dilute in buffer to yield a concentration of 5-10 U/ml. Prepare fresh prior to assay.