Enzyme Lab Report
Abstract The major objective of this experiment was to observe the effects of catalase under varying controlled conditions. The scope of this experiment includes Metabolic processes, such as cellular respiration, and it poisonous byproduct hydrogen peroxide. The methodology includes procedures; multiple variables were tested in specific concentrations; that test the reaction rates of the enzyme catalase over a fixed period of time. The major conclusion was that catalase reacts faster in warm temperatures that are neither freezing nor boiling, catalase performs well in lower concentrations than the substrate, and catalase prefers neutral pH levels around 7.
Introduction Enzymes are proteins that catalyze metabolic reactions vital for the survival and functioning of cells [1]. Without enzymes, metabolic processes would occur at unfeasible rates. Catalase is a naturally occurring enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen; it is essential to cellular respiration. I asked if enzyme activity was affected when exposed to different conditions, such as temperature, substrate concentration, and pH levels. My first hypothesis is that higher temperatures amplify catalyzation, although too high of a temperature denatures enzymes. My second hypothesis is that smaller concentrations of enzyme in the enzyme to substrate concentration ratios produce higher reactions. The last hypothesis is that enzyme reactions work best at a neutral pH. I observed and recorded the effect of these conditions on catalase. The enzyme catalase is important because it handles the decomposition of approximately half of generated H2O2 in living organisms [2]. It is important for biologists to understand catalase because all cells produce hydrogen peroxide, and its the job of catalase to break it down. This research will help increase the knowledge of enzyme activity in complex environments, and under what conditions the enzyme catalase will perform best.
Materials
Introduction Enzymes are proteins that catalyze metabolic reactions vital for the survival and functioning of cells [1]. Without enzymes, metabolic processes would occur at unfeasible rates. Catalase is a naturally occurring enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen; it is essential to cellular respiration. I asked if enzyme activity was affected when exposed to different conditions, such as temperature, substrate concentration, and pH levels. My first hypothesis is that higher temperatures amplify catalyzation, although too high of a temperature denatures enzymes. My second hypothesis is that smaller concentrations of enzyme in the enzyme to substrate concentration ratios produce higher reactions. The last hypothesis is that enzyme reactions work best at a neutral pH. I observed and recorded the effect of these conditions on catalase. The enzyme catalase is important because it handles the decomposition of approximately half of generated H2O2 in living organisms [2]. It is important for biologists to understand catalase because all cells produce hydrogen peroxide, and its the job of catalase to break it down. This research will help increase the knowledge of enzyme activity in complex environments, and under what conditions the enzyme catalase will perform best.
Materials