The role of catalase on Saccharomyces cerevisiae replicative lifespan was investigated using a wild-type haploid laboratory yeast W303a, a catalase A mutant, a catalase T mutant and an acatalasaemic mutant. Lifespan analysis was performed in two different environmental conditions. Under repressing conditions, on glucose media, catalase T activity, but not catalase A activity was necessary to assure longevity. However, under derepressing conditions, on ethanol media, both catalases were required for longevity assurance. Although catalase activity and carbon source influence yeast lifespan, the relationship between oxidative defence and replicative senescence is complex.