Cystochrome C Oxidase Lab Report

Introduction:
Cytochrome c oxidase plays a vital role in cellular respiration by accepting e- from cytochrome c and transferring them to an acceptor oxygen molecule in the final step of electron transfer chain. Carbon monoxide and cyanide are few of the inhibitor of this enzyme. 4 Fe2+ -cyt c + 8H+ + O2 4 Fe3+ -cyt c + 2H2O + 4H+ [out]
Cytochrome c oxidase locates to the inner membrane which separates the mitochondrial matrix from the intermembrane space. However, Potato tubes can be used as the source of mitochondria, where this enzyme is located and active. We used potato in this lab instead of using other things because we can easily abstracts cytochrome c from it. Cytochrome c oxidize is very important in human organisms.
Wavelength of blank and the form unknown samples prepared by mixing solution according to the table in procedure.

Activity of the sample:
Units/mL = (ΔA550/min) (dilution) (1.1) (21.84)(Vol. of enzyme)

Unknown 1: (0.00875) (25/1100) (1.1) = 4.01*10-4 Units/ml (21.84)(0.025)

Unknown 2: (0.01675) (50/1100) (1.1) = 7.67*10-4 Units/ml (21.84)(0.05)
Unknown 3: (0.01675) (75/1100) (1.1) = 7.67*10-4 Units/ml (21.84)(0.075)
Unknown 4: (0.016) (100/1100) (1.1) = 7.33*10-4 Units/ml (21.84)(0.1)
Blank (0.00025) (0/1100) (1.1) = 0 Units/ml (21.84)(0)
Compared to other samples, sample 4 had the highest absorbance readings. There wasn’t any enzymes in the blank sample because there wasn’t any enzyme samples in that tube. Hence, the oxidation process did not occur and the products weren’t formed, not resulting in significant change of absorbance reading. On the other hand, all other sample showed enzyme activity through decreased in their absorbance. Samples 2 and 3 had the greatest activity compared to all samples. As we expected the absorbance level of the enzymes decreasing over time. If we didn’t measure time corrected it then it might have affected out result because time is a key in