Exploring enzyme lab report
Exploring Enzymes - Ground-Up Tissue Activity
Abstract
Our experiment looked at how increasing the surface area of a substance affects the amount of bubbles created due to the presence of the enzyme catalase. The experiment used two pieces of fish, one whole and one ground up, which were then covered in hydrogen peroxide. This method allowed us to observe the catalase in ground up fish break down the hydrogen peroxide at a quicker rate than in the piece of fish left intact. This was determined by observing a larger formation of bubbles, the visual indicator of hydrogen peroxide being broken down into a non-toxic form of hydrogen and water. This study allowed us to observe first hand catalase can perform further when the surface area is larger.
Introduction
A majority of individuals do not realize how important enzymes, a type of protein, are for life to exist. Organisms experience a continuum of chemical reactions taking place within their cells and these reactions wouldn’t happen without the presence of enzymes. Since enzymes are so important to life we should understand what affects their productivity to include: temperature, pH and the concentration of reactants. The purpose of this study is to test how the enzymes react when there is a larger surface area; hence an increase in the concentration of reactants.
In this experiment we use the enzyme catalase, which assists in the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known chemical used in a variety of ways such as household cleaning, wound management and removing color from a variety of items. Hydrogen peroxide is a product of living cell reactions and is considered deadly and if not disposed of properly a cell killer. Although it sounds like doom and gloom this is where the catalase steps in, an enzyme to breakdown the hydrogen peroxide into the less toxic substances of hydrogen and water.
Hypothesis
If the surface area is increased than the
Abstract
Our experiment looked at how increasing the surface area of a substance affects the amount of bubbles created due to the presence of the enzyme catalase. The experiment used two pieces of fish, one whole and one ground up, which were then covered in hydrogen peroxide. This method allowed us to observe the catalase in ground up fish break down the hydrogen peroxide at a quicker rate than in the piece of fish left intact. This was determined by observing a larger formation of bubbles, the visual indicator of hydrogen peroxide being broken down into a non-toxic form of hydrogen and water. This study allowed us to observe first hand catalase can perform further when the surface area is larger.
Introduction
A majority of individuals do not realize how important enzymes, a type of protein, are for life to exist. Organisms experience a continuum of chemical reactions taking place within their cells and these reactions wouldn’t happen without the presence of enzymes. Since enzymes are so important to life we should understand what affects their productivity to include: temperature, pH and the concentration of reactants. The purpose of this study is to test how the enzymes react when there is a larger surface area; hence an increase in the concentration of reactants.
In this experiment we use the enzyme catalase, which assists in the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is a well-known chemical used in a variety of ways such as household cleaning, wound management and removing color from a variety of items. Hydrogen peroxide is a product of living cell reactions and is considered deadly and if not disposed of properly a cell killer. Although it sounds like doom and gloom this is where the catalase steps in, an enzyme to breakdown the hydrogen peroxide into the less toxic substances of hydrogen and water.
Hypothesis
If the surface area is increased than the