Biology Enzyme Lab
Enzyme Lab
Introduction/ Abstract An enzyme is a substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. They are mainly made up of proteins and can tremendously speed up reactions. E. coli ( a bacterium) has about 1,000 different types of enzymes floating around in its cytoplasm at any given time. Enzymes can be used to join and even break up molecules as shown in the diagram below.
(1) A maltose molecule is about to go into an maltase enzyme which are shaped to fit maltose molecules perfectly. (2) The molecule enters the enzymes active site and prepares to be broken down. (3) The maltose molecule's bonds are broken down to produce 2 glucose molecules which then proceed to leave the enzyme. We will be investigating an enzyme in this experiment. Catalase to be more specific which is found in the liver. We will compare its action under different conditions with an inorganic catalyst called manganese dioxide. Purpose The purpose of performing this lab is to compare the action of catalase to a non-protein catalyst under different conditions. Hypothesis In section A, I hypothesize that the sand will have no reaction but the MnO2 will produce a gas or start to foam up. In section B, I suspect that the liver may start to show signs of deformation or shrink in size. The potato will foam up like the liver in section A. In section C, I think there will be no reaction for either substances. Both liver will most likely start to foam up in section D. Finally, in section E, the boiled liver will produce no reaction but the other 2 will most likely have a reaction where bubbles are produced.
Materials Materials: * 3% hydrogen peroxide * Manganese dioxide * Fresh or frozen liver * Potato * Ice Equipment: * Fine clean sand * Stirring rod
Introduction/ Abstract An enzyme is a substance produced by a living organism that acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction. They are mainly made up of proteins and can tremendously speed up reactions. E. coli ( a bacterium) has about 1,000 different types of enzymes floating around in its cytoplasm at any given time. Enzymes can be used to join and even break up molecules as shown in the diagram below.
(1) A maltose molecule is about to go into an maltase enzyme which are shaped to fit maltose molecules perfectly. (2) The molecule enters the enzymes active site and prepares to be broken down. (3) The maltose molecule's bonds are broken down to produce 2 glucose molecules which then proceed to leave the enzyme. We will be investigating an enzyme in this experiment. Catalase to be more specific which is found in the liver. We will compare its action under different conditions with an inorganic catalyst called manganese dioxide. Purpose The purpose of performing this lab is to compare the action of catalase to a non-protein catalyst under different conditions. Hypothesis In section A, I hypothesize that the sand will have no reaction but the MnO2 will produce a gas or start to foam up. In section B, I suspect that the liver may start to show signs of deformation or shrink in size. The potato will foam up like the liver in section A. In section C, I think there will be no reaction for either substances. Both liver will most likely start to foam up in section D. Finally, in section E, the boiled liver will produce no reaction but the other 2 will most likely have a reaction where bubbles are produced.
Materials Materials: * 3% hydrogen peroxide * Manganese dioxide * Fresh or frozen liver * Potato * Ice Equipment: * Fine clean sand * Stirring rod
Cited: Free, David. "Re: Can H2O2 be broken down by catalysts other than those in living systems?." MadSciNet: The 24-hour exploding laboratory.. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.madsci.org/posts/archives/2007-02/1171045656.Ch.r.html>. "HowStuffWorks "Why does hydrogen peroxide foam when you put it on a cut?"." HowStuffWorks "Science". N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://science.howstuffworks.com/innovation/science-questions/question115.htm>. "What are Enzymes?." wiseGEEK: clear answers for common questions. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Oct. 2012. <http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-enzymes.htm>.