What large group of biomolecules does catalase belong to?

1 Answer

Catalase is a protein.

Explanation:

Catalase is an enzyme, which are biological molecules that catalyze chemical reactions that take place in biological systems.

http://openwetware.org/wiki/Biomod/2012/Titech/Nano-Jugglers/Methods/Varification_catalase

In fact, catalase is one of the most efficient enzymes that operate inside a cell. Its function is to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, #H_2O_2#, which has a toxic effect on the cell, into water and oxygen.

http://www.phschool.com/science/biology_place/labbench/lab2/concepts.html

Adding catalase to a beaker that contains hydrogen peroxide will accelerate its decomposition.

See this reaction by watching the video below. The wood splint bursting into flames verifies that the decomposition of #H_2O_2# forms oxygen gas.

Read more about catalase here:

http://socratic.org/questions/what-is-catalase-and-what-its-function-in-the-organism?source=search

It shows the whole classification of enzymes scheme can be on this site http://www.web-books.com/MoBio/Free/Ch2E1.htm