Substrate concentration and yeast catalase
Substrate concentration and yeast catalase
Aim:
To see how the substrate concentration in hydrogen peroxide affects the rate of an enzyme controlled reaction using yeast catalase.
Introduction:
An enzyme is a biological catalyst made of protein. Enzymes are protein molecules found in living organisms and in this case I will use a yeast catalase. Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a poisonous by-product of metabolism, so it is very important that it is broken down quickly, otherwise it would cause damage to cells. Catalase causes the reaction of the catalyst to break down hydrogen peroxide (2H2O2) into oxygen and water.
2H2O2 + Catalase -→ 2H2O + O2
These enzymes are needed to control the speed of a reaction. If not, reactions would be too slow to maintain life or too fast which would denature the cell, damaging it and not being able to function properly.
The more hydrogen peroxide you add with the yeast catalase, the faster the reaction of breaking down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen will be. This is so, because the shape of the catalase active site matches the shape of the hydrogen peroxide molecules. The higher the concentration of substrate added with the catalase enzymes, causes an anabolic reaction where more and more molecules are broken down into smaller pieces. Thus, more oxygen and water will be produced and therefore causing the gas syringe to take in more pressure and have a higher reading.
Method:
(See “Substrate concentration and yeast catalase” exercise document)
Timeframe of experiment:
20-second intervals for each reaction
Apparatus: Gas syringe Metal stand Yeast Catalase Hydrogen Peroxide – Concentrates (%) at (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 12.5 and 15.0) Boiling tube Connecter tube Beaker Small needle syringe (1cm3) Stop watch Medium syringe for yeast (10cm3) Test tube rack Tap water
Variables
Aim:
To see how the substrate concentration in hydrogen peroxide affects the rate of an enzyme controlled reaction using yeast catalase.
Introduction:
An enzyme is a biological catalyst made of protein. Enzymes are protein molecules found in living organisms and in this case I will use a yeast catalase. Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the reduction of hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is a poisonous by-product of metabolism, so it is very important that it is broken down quickly, otherwise it would cause damage to cells. Catalase causes the reaction of the catalyst to break down hydrogen peroxide (2H2O2) into oxygen and water.
2H2O2 + Catalase -→ 2H2O + O2
These enzymes are needed to control the speed of a reaction. If not, reactions would be too slow to maintain life or too fast which would denature the cell, damaging it and not being able to function properly.
The more hydrogen peroxide you add with the yeast catalase, the faster the reaction of breaking down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen will be. This is so, because the shape of the catalase active site matches the shape of the hydrogen peroxide molecules. The higher the concentration of substrate added with the catalase enzymes, causes an anabolic reaction where more and more molecules are broken down into smaller pieces. Thus, more oxygen and water will be produced and therefore causing the gas syringe to take in more pressure and have a higher reading.
Method:
(See “Substrate concentration and yeast catalase” exercise document)
Timeframe of experiment:
20-second intervals for each reaction
Apparatus: Gas syringe Metal stand Yeast Catalase Hydrogen Peroxide – Concentrates (%) at (2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 12.5 and 15.0) Boiling tube Connecter tube Beaker Small needle syringe (1cm3) Stop watch Medium syringe for yeast (10cm3) Test tube rack Tap water
Variables