InterPro: IPR011614 Catalase, N-terminal

Catalases (EC:1.11.1.6) are antioxidant enzymes that catalyse the conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and molecular oxygen, serving to protect cells from its toxic effects [1]. Hydrogen peroxide is produced as a consequence of oxidative cellular metabolism and can be converted to the highly reactive hydroxyl radical via transition metals, this radical being able to damage a wide variety of molecules within a cell, leading to oxidative stress and cell death. Catalases act to neutralise hydrogen peroxide toxicity, and are produced by all aerobic organisms ranging from bacteria to man. Most catalases are mono-functional, haem-containing enzymes, although there are also bifunctional haem-containing peroxidase/catalases (IPR000763) that are closely related to plant peroxidases, and non-haem, manganese-containing catalases (IPR007760) that are found in bacteria [2].

This entry represents a conserved region within catalase enzymes (EC:1.11.1.6).