Abstract – The purpose of this lab was to understand how different solutions played a role in the digestion protein. By looking at different variables, such as temperature, and pH we’re capable of understanding just how certain substances functioned and when they didn’t. The data for all labs are clear and concise and give a clear understanding of what solutions work best. All three labs were placed in a warm water bath set at 37’C to stimulate the reaction as if it were taking place within the human body. This gives us a more accurate reading on how they would react at that set temperature. We concluded why certain tubes changed to the color they did and further explained it. This lab focuses primarily on two crucial components of digestion; 1) The actual solutions involved in digestion and how they react alone and paired and 2) Acidity of the solution since our stomachs are unbelievably acidic.
Introduction –
In these labs, my partner and I had to understand, and make note of, the types of reactions that occurred in each test tube. These reactions would be brought on by enzymes that would interact with other substances. [Part A] In this lab, we hypothesized that the tubes that contained a pancreatic solution would dissolve the starch, while the other test tubes wouldn’t. This is because the pancreatic solution contains enzymes which complete the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids (Digestion BioKit). Although test tube three contained this solution, we predicted that there wouldn’t be a reaction due to the fact that it was being boiled. The number, type, and arrangement of the amino acids determine the shape of the protein which directly controls the protein's function. The shape and function of a protein can be altered by a process known as denaturing. Too high a temperature or change of pH can cause the denaturing to take place. If this happens, then the protein can be rendered useless, unable to perform its normal job. In this
Cited: - “Digestion BioKit” Carolina Biological Supply Company. 2001 - Denaturing and Protein Function: Student Activity. Frontiers Summer Research Program 1996