Factors Affecting the Rate of Catalase Activity
Factors affecting the rate of catalase activity
The extent at which environmental factors affect the rate of catalase activity was discovered in this lab. The assay system, in which a filter paper disc was dipped into the enzyme and submerged using a stirring rod in a test tube filled with 20mL of hydrogen peroxide, was used to test several enzyme factors. As the saturation of hydrogen peroxide increased the rate of reaction increased as well. When the enzyme concentration increased the rate of catalase activity increased too. When catalase was subjected to an increase of temperature changes, the rate of reaction increased. Once the protein denatured around 100ºC the catalase activity decreased. Catalase operated with a high efficiency when the pH of the enzyme was 7. As the catalase pH was altered to acidic or basic, the rate of reaction decreased.
Introduction
Catalase is an enzyme that promotes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen gas: H2O2 H2O + O2. Hydrogen peroxide is a potential hazard for the body, which is why it is used to kill bacteria (WKU, 2010). Cells would die if hydrogen peroxide is not broken down by catalase. The activation energy for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is reduced from 72 to 20kcal/mol with the presence of catalase. Catalase is specifically found in the peroxisome, a membrane bound organelle (Xiaoling Li, 2002). Changing the concentration of the substrate and enzyme CiVf = CfVi (1) alters the environmental factors and affects catalase activity. When a hot plate and ice water were used to create water baths to change the temperature, the rate of reaction would be altered accordingly. 0.1 mol of NaOH and HCL were used to create an acidic or basic solution of catalase. Changing the pH of catalase would affect the expected enzyme activity.
Purpose
The extent at which environmental factors affect the rate of catalase activity was discovered in this lab. The assay system, in which a filter paper disc was dipped into the enzyme and submerged using a stirring rod in a test tube filled with 20mL of hydrogen peroxide, was used to test several enzyme factors. As the saturation of hydrogen peroxide increased the rate of reaction increased as well. When the enzyme concentration increased the rate of catalase activity increased too. When catalase was subjected to an increase of temperature changes, the rate of reaction increased. Once the protein denatured around 100ºC the catalase activity decreased. Catalase operated with a high efficiency when the pH of the enzyme was 7. As the catalase pH was altered to acidic or basic, the rate of reaction decreased.
Introduction
Catalase is an enzyme that promotes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen gas: H2O2 H2O + O2. Hydrogen peroxide is a potential hazard for the body, which is why it is used to kill bacteria (WKU, 2010). Cells would die if hydrogen peroxide is not broken down by catalase. The activation energy for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide is reduced from 72 to 20kcal/mol with the presence of catalase. Catalase is specifically found in the peroxisome, a membrane bound organelle (Xiaoling Li, 2002). Changing the concentration of the substrate and enzyme CiVf = CfVi (1) alters the environmental factors and affects catalase activity. When a hot plate and ice water were used to create water baths to change the temperature, the rate of reaction would be altered accordingly. 0.1 mol of NaOH and HCL were used to create an acidic or basic solution of catalase. Changing the pH of catalase would affect the expected enzyme activity.
Purpose
References: Li Xiaoling, Stephen J. Gould (2002) PEX11 Promotes Peroxisome Division Independently of Peroxisome Metabolism. Retrieved from, http://www.bio.davidson.edu/Courses/Molbio/MolStudents/spring2002/Sellars/restricted/review.html Worthington Biochemical Corporation. (2010) Introduction to enzymes. Retrieved from, http://www.worthington-biochem.com/introbiochem/effectsph.html Purchon, Nigel. (2001). Rates of Reaction. Retrieved from, http://www.purchon.com/chemistry/rates.htm#concentration Hewitson John, Paul Beaumont. (2010) What affects the activity of the enzyme catalase. Retrieved from, http://www-saps.plantsci.cam.ac.uk/records/rec177.htm John W. Kimball. (October 6, 2010). Blood. Retrieved from, http://users.rcn.com/jkimball.ma.ultranet/BiologyPages/B/Blood.html#CO2 Starr C, McMillan B. (2010) Human Biology: eighth edition. United States: Lachina Publishing services. Blake Leesa, Craven Meaghan, Dobell Darcy, Flood Nancy, Jasper Gord, Little Catherine, Mason Adrienne, Price Grace. (2002). Biology 12. Canada: CANCOPY Western Kentucky University. (2010) Enzymes. Retrieved from, http://bioweb.wku.edu/courses/Biol114/enzyme/enzyme1.asp