Catalase is indeed reusable. This enzyme, which is found in many living organisms, catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Once catalase has acted on hydrogen peroxide, it is not consumed in the reaction; instead, it can be free to catalyze the breakdown of additional hydrogen peroxide molecules.
The key to catalase’s reusability lies in its catalytic mechanism. Enzymes, including catalase, function by providing an active site where substrates can bind and be transformed into products. After the reaction occurs, the enzyme is restored to its original state, ready to facilitate another reaction cycle. This property allows a relatively small amount of catalase to catalyze many reactions over time, making it an efficient biological catalyst.
In summary, catalase is reusable because it does not get depleted during the reaction process; instead, it can continuously react with more substrate as long as there is hydrogen peroxide available.