How Does Catalysis Play a Role in Respiratory Burst?
Catalysis is integral to the respiratory burst as it involves enzyme-mediated reactions. The primary catalytic event is the activation of NADPH oxidase, which facilitates the transfer of electrons from NADPH to oxygen, generating superoxide anions. These superoxide anions can further react to form other reactive species such as hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals through enzymatic and non-enzymatic mechanisms.
