9th Grade Laboratory Work. Catalase Enzyme Activity

Title: Catalase enzyme activity.

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

Equipment: 2 beakers labeled A, B; vinegar; cold and hot water; peroxide 100ml for each lab; 1 potato for each lab.

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 reaction rate from time) showing changes of rate of reaction.

1. Enzyme amount
2. Substrate (the substance on which an enzyme acts) amount
3. Substrate acidity (using vinegar)
4. Reaction temperature

Result:

Conclusion: