Factors that affect enzyme activity
Sonia St James
Investigation: Factors that affect the outcome of enzyme activity
Introduction
In this project I will monitor the rate of activity of Catalase. Catalase is an Enzyme which in the right conditions catalyses the decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide into water and oxygen;
2H2O2 + Catalase >>> 2H2O + O2
Catalase is found in all cells and protects them from Hydrogen Peroxide which is a dangerous waste product that needs to be eliminated. Without Catalase living things could not survive.
What are Enzymes?
Enzymes are found in the cells of most living organisms and plants. They are proteins; large molecules made up of long chains of amino acids. Enzymes are biological catalysts which speed up chemical reactions. Enzymes are vital to survive and function. Without enzymes, chemical reactions would happen too slowly to keep living organisms alive.
How do Enzymes work?
Each enzyme has an active site which allows other substrate molecules to fit into the enzyme. The active site has a specific shape, which is vital for the enzymes function. This shape means only the correct substrate molecule will fit into the active site.
When the correct substrate fits into the active site of the enzyme – this is described as a lock and key model. The enzyme and the substrate bind together to form an enzyme-substrate complex. The binding of the substrate to an enzyme helps a chemical reaction to take place. This can increase rates of reaction thousands of times faster than if the enzyme was not present. Once the chemical reaction has taken place the product leaves the active site. The diagram below demonstrates how this process works:
Image sourced from: http://click4biology.info/c4b/7/pro7.6.htm
Enzymes do not change after this chemical reaction has taken place. They remain in the same state and are ready to be used again. If the shape of the active site changes the enzyme is said to be denatured. This can be caused by high temperatures or
Investigation: Factors that affect the outcome of enzyme activity
Introduction
In this project I will monitor the rate of activity of Catalase. Catalase is an Enzyme which in the right conditions catalyses the decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide into water and oxygen;
2H2O2 + Catalase >>> 2H2O + O2
Catalase is found in all cells and protects them from Hydrogen Peroxide which is a dangerous waste product that needs to be eliminated. Without Catalase living things could not survive.
What are Enzymes?
Enzymes are found in the cells of most living organisms and plants. They are proteins; large molecules made up of long chains of amino acids. Enzymes are biological catalysts which speed up chemical reactions. Enzymes are vital to survive and function. Without enzymes, chemical reactions would happen too slowly to keep living organisms alive.
How do Enzymes work?
Each enzyme has an active site which allows other substrate molecules to fit into the enzyme. The active site has a specific shape, which is vital for the enzymes function. This shape means only the correct substrate molecule will fit into the active site.
When the correct substrate fits into the active site of the enzyme – this is described as a lock and key model. The enzyme and the substrate bind together to form an enzyme-substrate complex. The binding of the substrate to an enzyme helps a chemical reaction to take place. This can increase rates of reaction thousands of times faster than if the enzyme was not present. Once the chemical reaction has taken place the product leaves the active site. The diagram below demonstrates how this process works:
Image sourced from: http://click4biology.info/c4b/7/pro7.6.htm
Enzymes do not change after this chemical reaction has taken place. They remain in the same state and are ready to be used again. If the shape of the active site changes the enzyme is said to be denatured. This can be caused by high temperatures or