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Ib Biology Enzymes Ia

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Ib Biology Enzymes Ia
Biology Enzymes IA
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Introduction:
Enzymes are globular proteins, they are responsible for most of the chemical activities of a living organism. They act as catalysts, substances that affects the reaction of other substances without being destroyed or altered during the process. They are extremely efficient in the body system of living organisms, one enzyme may catalyse over a thousand chemical reactions every second. But there are certain conditions that need to be fulfilled in order for the enzymes to work. Temperature of the environment must be correct for each enzyme because different enzymes will have different temperature ranges in which they can live. pH levels in the environment must also be correct because if the environment around the enzyme is too basic or acidic, the enzyme will quickly denature.
Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is naturally formed in living organisms, however it is very harmful and is broken down immediately by several enzymes including catalase. This enzyme catalyses the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. Persons with acatalasemia (a hereditary condition) have extremely low catalase activity and, although present worldwide, it is more commonly found in Koreans. Hydrogen Peroxide is usually used as a topical disinfectant in wounds and the bubbling that is seen in the experiment is due to the oxygen gas released from the tested substance. Because of this, any cell that uses oxygen or lives in the presence of oxygen must have a way to get rid of the peroxide. One of these ways is to make catalase.

Research Question:
“In what manner will the product of the enzymatic reaction be released from the different substances placed with the test tube?”
“Different food items will produce different amount of bubbles when tested with the hydrogen peroxide”

Variables:
Table of Variables Independent Variable | Dependent Variable | Controlled Variable | Uncontrolled Variables | Different types of vegetables and fruits used for

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