Catalase is considered to be a highly specific enzyme (1). It is doubtful
that the action of catalase on NaB03 refutes this specificity, since it is
well known (9-12) that perborate in aqueous solution produces some
hydrogen peroxide, and it is probable that this serves as the actual substrate.
It is, in fact, possible that this is the reason for the more successful
use of NaB08 as substrate, since Morgulis (13) has demonstrated that
the inactivation of catalase by its substrate is dependent on the concentration
of the hydrogen peroxide; the aqueous NaB03 probably provides
a constant low concentration of peroxide, which is then acted upon by
the catalase. At no time has any evidence been obtained that the catalase
activity is limited by the production of hydrogen peroxide
from NaB03.