In the catalase test, the formation of bubbles is due to which of the following?

In the catalase test, the formation of bubbles is due to which of the following?

• A. Production of hydrogen gas (H2)
• B. Breakdown of water
• C. Production of oxygen (O2)
• D. Oxidation of hydrogen peroxide

Answer: (C)

Bubbles in the catalase test come from the release of oxygen gas when hydrogen peroxide is split by the enzyme catalase. The reaction is 2 H2O2 -> 2 H2O + O2, and the oxygen gas forms visible bubbles. So the observable bubbling specifically indicates production of oxygen, not hydrogen gas or water breakdown. It’s a decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, not simply oxidation of hydrogen peroxide. This bubbling is the practical sign used to identify catalase-positive organisms.

Bubbles in the catalase test come from the release of oxygen gas when hydrogen peroxide is split by the enzyme catalase. The reaction is 2 H2O2 -> 2 H2O + O2, and the oxygen gas forms visible bubbles. So the observable bubbling specifically indicates production of oxygen, not hydrogen gas or water breakdown. It’s a decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, not simply oxidation of hydrogen peroxide. This bubbling is the practical sign used to identify catalase-positive organisms.