Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Selenocysteine is considered the 21st proteinogenic amino acid.
It contains a selenium atom in place of the sulfur atom found in standard cysteine, which alters its chemical reactivity.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) is an important antioxidant enzyme that protects cells from oxidative damage by reducing hydrogen peroxide and organic hydroperoxides to water and alcohols, using glutathione as a reducing agent.
The catalytic mechanism of glutathione peroxidase depends on a selenocysteine residue located within its active site.
The selenium atom undergoes a reversible oxidation-reduction cycle during catalysis, reacting much faster with peroxides than standard sulfur-containing cysteine residues would.
This unique selenium group is essential for the high catalytic efficiency of the enzyme.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, Glutathione peroxidase contains selenocysteine in its active site, which corresponds to option (B).