Hydrogen peroxide is toxic to cells, yet is a common byproduct of the reactions that occur inside the body. how can this compound be changed to become non-toxic (hint: look at the chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide).

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Chemistry

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15 May, 21:03

Hydrogen peroxide is toxic to cells, yet is a common byproduct of the reactions that occur inside the body. how can this compound be changed to become non-toxic (hint: look at the chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide).

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Moshe Berger · Answer 1

Hello!

The chemical formula for Hydrogen Peroxide is H₂O₂. Note that this chemical formula is very similar to water's (H₂O). So, we need a chemical reaction which transforms H₂O₂ into H₂O. In our body, there are enzymes called peroxidases, which break down peroxides such as H₂O in the following way:

H₂O₂ + 2e⁻ + 2H⁺ → 2H₂O

In this way, the toxicity of Hydrogen peroxide can be overcome.

Have a nice day!