The bombardier beetle defends itself by spraying a hot

QUESTION:

The bombardier beetle defends itself by spraying a hot quinone solution from its abdomen (see photo). This solution is formed by the enzyme-catalyzed oxidation of hydroquinone by hydrogen peroxide. Write a balanced equation for this oxidation.

When threatened, the bombardier beetle mixes hydroquinone and \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) with enzymes. Peroxide oxidizes hydroquinone, and the strongly exothermic reaction heats the solution to boiling. The hot, irritating liquid sprays from tip of the insect’s abdomen.

Equation transcription:

Text transcription:

{H}{2}{O}{2}