Hydrogen peroxide is a substance that is produced as a byproduct of many cell processes. However, hydrogen peroxide is toxic to cells. In fact, if cells are unable to break down hydrogen peroxide, they become poisoned and die. The chemical reaction for the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide is shown below.

What role does catalase play in this reaction?

a. catalase is a product that is created during the reaction

b. catalase is a reactant that gets used up in the reaction

c. catalase is an enzyme that slows down the reaction

d. catalase is an enzyme that speeds up the reaction