Biology enzyme and temperature prac

Temperature and enzyme activity

Aim: To determine the effect of which the temperature of the enzyme has on the rate of the enzyme catalysed reaction.
Hypothesis: The rate of reaction of an enzyme catalysed reaction will increase as the temperature of the enzyme approaches the optimum temperature. Surpassing the optimum temperature will result in a drop in enzyme activity.
Materials:
6% hydrogen peroxide
Liver suspension
10 test tubes
4 beakers
Thermometers
Measuring cylinders
Test tube pegs
Test tube rack
Bunsen burner
Tripod
Gauze mat
Ice cubes/refrigerated water
Ruler
Safety goggles
Pipettes
Method:
1. Set up equipment as follows:
Beaker
Temperature (˚C)
6% Hydrogen peroxide (mL)
Liver suspension (mL)
1

10
3
2

10
3
3

10
3
4
37
10
3
5
50
10
3

2. Fill beaker 1 with 250mL of ice cubes and tap water and record temperature.
3. Place a pair of test tubes, one of hydrogen peroxide and the other of catalase, into the cold water bath (Beaker 1) for 2 minutes.
4. Remove test tubes from the beaker simultaneously and immediately pour the catalase into the hydrogen peroxide. Measure height of froth immediately.
5. Repeat steps 2-4 with beaker 2 and tap water.
6. Repeat steps 3 and 4 with beaker 3 with no water, record room temperature.
7. Repeat steps 2-4 with beaker 4 and heated water of 37˚C.
8. Repeat steps 2-4 with beaker 5 and heated water of 50˚C.
Risk assessment:
As hydrogen peroxide is an irritant, wear safety goggles to protect eyes from possible splashes and clean up any spillages quickly.
Equipment will be hot and may cause burns. Handle equipment with caution and use test tube pegs when dealing with hot test tubes.
Results:
Beaker
Temperature (˚C)
Reaction rate – Froth height (mm)
1

2

3

4

5