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What are the differences between oxidases and oxygenases?
Posted July 6, 2023

Answer

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.