Multiple choice general knowledge science & technology

Why does hydrogen peroxide bubble up when it is put on a wound?

  1. Because it is killing germs

  2. Because it always bubbles

  3. Because enzymes from broken skin cells cause it to decompose into water and oxygen

  4. Because contact with blood causes bubbles

Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
C Correct answer
Explanation

Hydrogen peroxide bubbles when applied to wounds because the enzyme catalase, present in blood and damaged tissue cells, breaks down H2O2 into water and oxygen gas. This creates the visible bubbling. Options A and D are incorrect - the bubbles are not from 'killing germs' or merely from 'contact with blood.' Option B is false - it doesn't always bubble (intact skin has no catalase exposure).