Effect Of Ph On Catalase

This experiment shows the effects of changing the pH level has on Catalase. As predicted, the farther away the pH levels got from the optimum pH (7.2), the lower the reaction rate. At a pH of 7.2, the foam of the reaction measures 6cm. At a ph of 3 it measures 2.5 cm, at a pH of 5 it measures 2.75 cm, at ph 9 it measures 2.3 and at 11cm it measures 2cm. pH measures the hydrogen ion concentration of a substrate. By changing the pH of the catalase, the enzyme was denatured. Denaturing is the result of altering the characteristics or properties of an enzyme by temperature, pH level, or substrate concentrate. As the optimal conditions of the enzyme are changed, bonds in the enzyme are broken and the enzyme unfolds at the tertiary and quaternary level. When this happens, the structure of the enzyme and active site is changed. With the change in the active site, the substrate has a harder time bonding
People who get exposed to H2O2 increase the substrate concentration that enters the body and therefore run the risk of Hydrogen Peroxide poisoning. Scientists can use the research done in this experiment to help catalase work its best and prevent H2O2 poisoning. Catalase can also potentially be used to help cure H2O2 poisoning. If scientists know where Catalase work best (ph-7.2, temperature- 37°C , 1:5 ratio from Enzyme to Catalase), then scientists can look for ways of concentration of catalase and potentially save lives. It is critical that scientists studying catalase know the optimal pH of Catalase and how it works in other pH levels. When studying ways to concentrate Catalase, a scientist must make sure to keep it cold when not in use (as done in the experiment to prevent the Catalase from denaturing), to avoid extreme pH levels of bases and to avoid extreme ph levels of acid. Extreme bases and acids should be avoided because they greatly affect the rate of reaction of the catalase when H2O2 is