Topic: Enzymes Catalase Lab Background Information: Virtually all of the biochemical reactions that occur in living organisms are regulated by enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that function as biological catalysts, acting on a particular substrate to increase the rate of a particular type of reaction within an optimal set of conditions. One source of enzymes is the liver, which breaks down many substances within the body.
Nucleotides
It is an organic molecule made up of three basic components- a nitrogenous base, phosphate,and pentose sugar. The nucleotides are important for metabolic reactions andthe formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses. They carry the genetic information for the synthesis of proteins and cellular replication. The nucleic acids are of two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The structure of all proteins and ultimately every biomolecule and cellular component is a product of information encoded in the sequence of nucleic acids. Parts of a DNA molecule containing the information needed to synthesize a protein or an RNA are genes. Nucleic acids can store and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next, fundamental to any life form.
Topic: Enzymes
Catalase Lab
Background Information:
Virtually all of the biochemical reactions that occur in living organisms are regulated by enzymes. Enzymes are proteins that function as biological catalysts, acting on a particular substrate to increase the rate of a particular type of reaction within an optimal set of conditions. One source of enzymes is the liver, which breaks down many substances within the body. Catalase, one of the enzymes found in the liver, breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), a toxic waste product of cellular
2 H2O2 2 H2O+ O2
Purpose:
The purpose of this experiment is to determine how the activity of an enzyme can change under certain conditions: temperature, pH, substrate concentration
Materials:
Create a list of materials that you will need to conduct the experiment. Some useful materials are listed below:
- a sample of a hard fruit or vegetable (such as apple, potato, or turnip)
- 3 % hydrogen peroxide
- baking soda
- vinegar
- a kitchen thermometer
- a stopwatch
- teaspoon
- tablespoon
- tap water
- measuring cups
- a small glass
- a knife
- a ruler
Note: Hydrogen peroxide is corrosive and may cause burns to the respiratory tract, skin and eyes. Do not inhale vapors. Wear safety goggles.
Procedure:
Create a list of steps that you took to conduct the experiment.
You get to plan your own procedure for this investigation. Your procedure must allow you to collect at least 5 different results, including a control group. You may find it useful to add the substrate last of all the ingredients added to the reaction. You will be testing temperature, pH and substrate concentration. To achieve a level 4, you must test temperature, pH and substrate concentration along with a control.
Throughout this investigation you will estimate the rate of the reaction (how rapidly the solution bubbles) on a scale of 0-5 (0=no reaction, 1=slow, ..... 5= very fast). Assume that the normal
Results and Observations:
Use charts, graphs and pictures to summarize your results.
Conclusion:
You may want to use the following set of questions to analyze your results:
- Why might the glowing splint test be a good indicator of the presence of catalase?
- Is the reaction between catalase and hydrogen peroxide endergonic or exergonic? How can this be determined?
- How does temperature affect the activity of catalase? Explain your observations by discussing the effect of temperature on protein structure. Discuss both high temperature and low temperature effects.
- How does pH affect the activity of catalase? Consider both high and low pH and explain your observations by discussing the effect on protein structure. Hypothesize about the optimal temperature for this reaction and provide a rationale
- How does the substrate concentration affect the activity of Catalase?
Catalase Formal Lab Report: Check List
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Lab Report Title
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Abstract
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Introduction
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Materials & Safety Procedures |
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Procedure
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Results and Observations
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Conclusion
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References
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