Peroksidaas

Peroksidaas is a class of enzymes that catalyze oxidation reactions. These enzymes are found in a wide variety of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals. Peroksidaas enzymes play crucial roles in numerous biological processes, such as cellular respiration, detoxification, and immune responses.

The general reaction catalyzed by peroksidaas involves the reduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or organic hydroperoxides. In many cases, this reduction is coupled with the oxidation of a substrate. The active site of most peroksidaas enzymes contains a heme prosthetic group, which is essential for their catalytic activity. The iron atom within the heme group undergoes changes in its oxidation state during the reaction cycle.

Different types of peroksidaas exist, classified based on their substrates and specific functions. For example, catalase is a well-known peroksidaas that efficiently breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, protecting cells from oxidative damage. Other peroksidaas enzymes, like cytochrome c peroksidaas, are involved in electron transport chains. In plants, peroksidaas enzymes are important for processes such as lignin biosynthesis and defense against pathogens.

The study of peroksidaas is significant in various fields, including biochemistry, molecular biology, and medicine. Understanding their mechanisms and functions can lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies for diseases associated with oxidative stress and the design of novel biocatalysts for industrial applications.