Formal Lab Report 2 Final

Purpose: Cells produce toxic wastes, in this experiment hydrogen peroxide, and without some sort of molecule to break it down the cell will die, along with the organism itself. However with the aid of an enzyme, catalase, hydrogen peroxide is able to be broken down into an intermediate and thereafter harmless substances water and oxygen. The goal of this lab is to measure the reaction rate of this process in different substances such as a liver, a vegetable, and breast tissue. By using variables such a pH and temperature we are able to how the rate of reaction is altered or improved. If it has improved, the optimum has been discovered and the enzyme will create a higher reaction rate. If above the optimal points, proteins will denature and the reaction rate will remain the same. This is vital for cellular activity for if homeostasis is not reached enzymatic activity will decrease or the enzymes will simply denature and the toxicity within the cell will increase killing the cell.
Enzyme Lab
Materials:
1 molar HCl solution
1 molar NaOh Solutions
6 test tubes
Measusting Pipette
10-ml Graduated cylinder
40 ml 3% Hydrogen peroxide solutions
Straight-edge razor blade
Scissors and Forceps pH Paper (optional)
Stirring rod
Fresh liver
Apple
Potato
Test Tube Holders
Ice Bath Warm Water Bath
Boiling Water Bath

Part A
Procedures:
1. Place 2 ml of the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into a clean test tube
2. Using forceps and scissors cut a small piece of liver and add it to the test tube. Push it into the hydrogen peroxide with a stirring rod. Observe the bubbles. What gas is being released? Oxygen
Throughout this investigation you will estimate the rate of reaction (how rapidly the solution bubbles) on a scale of 0-5 (0= no reaction, 1=slow… 5= very fast). Assume that the reaction in step 2 proceeded at a rate of “4.”

Recall that a reaction that absorbs heat is endothermic; a reaction that gives off heat is exothermic. Now, feel the temperature of the test tube with your