Bio 1107k-11
10/25/14
How pH levels impact tyrosinase activity
Abstract: The purpose of our research utilizing the different pH levels was to test how a specific pH level would impact tyrosinase activity. First we added 4.0 mL of pH in each corresponding test tube and then added 0.5 mL of substrate (catechol) into each test tube. In the instructions it says to apply your 0.5 mL of tyrosinase (potato extract) as well but you have to blank the spectrophotometer before. The results from this experiment confirms that our hypothesis of a neutral pH displaying a stronger impact on tyrosinase is true. According to our results the pH levels at a more neutral state showed a greater reaction compared to pH levels …show more content…
According to EPA, “Catechol is used as a photographic developer, a developer for fur dyes, as an intermediate for antioxidants in rubber, in polymerization inhibitors and in pharmaceuticals. However, when catechol is exposed and comes in contact with human skin it can cause a physical reaction on skin. Tyrosinase (potato extract) is derived from the potato and the extract itself is rich in proteins and carbohydrates. According to WebMD, people take raw potato juice for stomach disorders and water retention. However if the potato is damaged or if there are any sprouts, these potatoes may contain a variety of poisonous chemicals that cannot be eliminated through cooking. As we began our experiment and were given our tyrosinase, this was isolated by the potato and then our substrate (catechol); we labeled our …show more content…
When a pH level is more neutral such as pH 6, 7 or 8, it will have a greater impact compared to highly acidic or highly alkaline pH levels. In this experiment, we observed whether or not a neutral pH would strengthen the impact on tyrosinase activity. In order to confirm our findings to prevent any experimental errors we completed another set of test tubes with pH levels 2 to 11 and then calculated the averages of the results of each pH level. Therefore, we have witnessed that pH levels that were neither highly acidic nor highly alkaline are more likely to present greater impact on tyrosinase activity. Both highly acidic and highly alkaline levels of pH respond differently to tyrosinase activity compared to a neutral pH