Enzyme activity Lab. 9th Grade

Catalase (source: wikipedia)

Title: Catalase enzyme activity.

Purpose: To identify factors affecting enzyme activity in the cell (by using catalase enzyme).

Equipment: 2 beakers labeled A, B; vinegar; cold and hot water; peroxide 100ml; potatoes.

Background: In green plants and our body, H2O2 forms when alcohol is broken down. H2O2 is a strong oxidant. It has harmful effects on living cells. To prevent this, catalase enzyme, found in cells, breaks down the H2O2 into oxygen and water. The reaction below shows the breakdown of H2O2 into H2O and O2.

2H2O2 ⎯⎯⎯⎯→2H2O +O2

Procedure:

We proceed by changing factors affecting catalase enzyme activity. There are four factors which we cover in our lab. In each step you have to draw graph (dependence of reaction rate from time) showing changes of rate of reaction.

1. Enzyme amount
2. Substrate acidity (using vinegar)
3. Reaction temperature
4. Substarte amount

Result:

Conclusion: