Verified Solution Biology Cell: The Unit of Life

A cell line is genetically engineered to lack the enzyme catalase, which is normally found in peroxisomes. What would be the most direct and significant cellular consequence of this deficiency?

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Solution ✔ Verified
  • AInability to synthesize cholesterol.
  • BAccumulation of toxic hydrogen peroxide.
  • CDisruption of oxidative phosphorylation.
  • DImpaired breakdown of worn-out organelles.
Explanation

Peroxisomes produce hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) during various metabolic reactions (like fatty acid breakdown). Catalase is crucial for breaking down this toxic hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, so its absence would lead to H2O2 accumulation.

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