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Peroxidase-like activity

Definition

The catalytic behaviour of haemoglobin (and other haem-containing proteins) that mimics the enzyme peroxidase: splitting hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The released oxygen drives the colour reaction.

Related terms

Confirmatory test
A species- or analyte-specific test that provides the level of certainty required for a scientific report and court evidence. Immunochromatographic strips targeting...
False positive
A test result indicating diatoms consistent with ante-mortem aspiration in an organ sample when the diatoms actually arrived by contamination, post-mortem diffusion,...
Haem group
The iron-porphyrin prosthetic group at the centre of haemoglobin. The iron atom cycles between oxidation states during the peroxidase-like reaction, and it...
Leuco-phenolphthalein
The reduced, colourless form of phenolphthalein used in the Kastle-Meyer reagent. It is oxidised back to the pink quinone form in the...
Presumptive test
A fast, low-cost, class-specific screen used to triage a caseload before instrumental work begins. Examples are Marquis reagent for opioids and amphetamines,...

Explained in

  • Kastle-Meyer TestThe catalytic behaviour of haemoglobin (and other haem-containing proteins) that mimics the enzyme peroxidase: splitting hydrogen peroxide into water and oxyge...

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