Hydrogen peroxide experiment

[ejonesdj]

Hi guys!!!

I've been doing some coursework on how the surface area of a potato effects the break down of hydrogen peroxide.

I have got the basis on whats happening but am not sure how the catalase in the potato breaks the hydrogen peroxide down, or why???. Also.. Hydrogen peroxide is poisonous... what effects does it have on both animals and plants and why is it produced in them?

[James]

2H2O2 ---> 2H2O + O2. Catalase merely catalyses this reaction. Thus, the more O2 produced, the higher the rate of catalysis.

H2O2 is produced as a by-product in oxidative phosphorylation and by white blood cells. Cells contain catalase to break it down before it builds up too much and is toxic