>
> You are not showing ignorance...you are correct. The H2O2 is produced by
> the glucose oxidase acting on the glucose.
>
The rest of the story- Glucose Oxidase is an enzyme added to nectar by the
bee. It operates as noted but only in unripe honey where it acts as an anti
spoil/bacterial agent. Once the honey is ripened, activity stops.
Add water and it starts again, which is one of the reasons honey heals. On
a wound, peroxide (along with acidity and high sugar) kills bacteria and
promotes healing. It is the blood and other wound moisture that starts the
reaction.
Bill Truesdell
Bath, Maine
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