Oxidases and oxygenases are two types of enzymes that function as biocatalysts. There are significant differences between the two.
Oxidases
- Are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of hydrogen from a substrate to oxygen in oxidation-reduction reactions.
- resulting in the formation of water or hydrogen peroxide.
- Are responsible for building ATP that acts as the cell’s energy storehouse
Ascorbic acid oxidase, monoamine oxidase, cytochrome oxidase are examples of oxidases.
Oxygenases
- Are enzymes that catalyze the transfer of atomic oxygen from molecular oxygen (O2 ) to a substrate during the oxidation of a particular substrate.
- Are responsible for breaking down iron that is distributed to various parts of the body
Carotenase, tryptophan pyrrolase, tyrosinase, and pheylalanine hydroxylase are examples of oxygenases.