Peroxidase

Peroxidases (EC number 1.11.1.x) are a large family of enzymes. A majority of peroxidase protein sequences can be found in the PeroxiBase database. Peroxidases typically catalyze a reaction of the form:


 * ROOR' + electron donor (2 e-) + 2H+ → ROH + R'OH

For many of these enzymes the optimal substrate is hydrogen peroxide, but others are more active with organic hydroperoxides such as lipid peroxides. Peroxidases can contain a heme cofactor in their active sites, or redox-active cysteine or selenocysteine residues.

The nature of the electron donor is very dependent on the structure of the enzyme.
 * For example, horseradish peroxidase can use a variety of organic compounds as electron donors and acceptors. Horseradish peroxidase has an accessible active site and many compounds can reach the site of the reaction.
 * For an enzyme such as cytochrome c peroxidase, the compounds that donate electrons are very specific, because there is a very closed active site.

While the exact mechanisms have yet to be elucidated, peroxidases are known to play a part in increasing a plant's defenses against pathogens. Peroxidases are sometimes used as histological marker. Cytochrome c peroxidase is used as a soluble, easily purified model for cytochrome c oxidase.

Glutathione peroxidase is a peroxidase found in humans, which contains selenocysteine. It uses glutathione as an electron donor and is active with both hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxide substrates.

Amyloid beta, when bound to heme has been shown to have peroxidase activity.