In this investigation, I am aiming to investigate the effect pH has on the activity of the enzyme, Trypsin.

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Aimeé Allam

Biology Coursework:

Trypsin Investigation

Planning Section:

In this investigation, I am aiming to investigate the effect pH has on the activity of the enzyme, Trypsin.

Factors affecting the activity of Trypsin:

-The pH           This is the independent variable. I will investigate this factor.

-The temperature of the surroundings. –I will control this by doing all the tests at room temperature. This way it won’t affect my results.

-The concentration of Trypsin. –I will control this by using a solution of Trypsin of 5% concentration for all my tests.

-The concentration of Gelatin. –I will control this by using pieces of photographic film that are exactly equal in size: 1cm squared

Preliminary Testing:

I performed a preliminary test to see which strength of Trypsin (1%, 3%, 5%) would be the most efficient to use, given the time we are allowed to perform the experiment.

Apparatus:

Test tubes x3

Test tube rack

Timer x3

PH 9 buffer solution

Trypsin in the following strengths: 1% 3% 5%

Spatula x3

Method:

-Firstly, 3cm cubed of the buffer solution (ph 9) was put into the three test tubes.

-Then a piece of photographic film 1cm by 0.5 cm square was added to each tube.

-A timer was positioned in front of each tube.

-Then 1cm cubed of the 1% strength Trypsin solution was added to a boiling tube.

-The timer in front of it was started at the same time.

-This was repeated for every Trypsin solution.

-The tubes were stirred 3 times every 2 minutes to make it a fair test.

-The timer was stopped when the photographic film went clear.

-The times for each concentration were recorded in the table below.

Results:

Conclusion:

I conclude that due to the short space of time I have been allowed to do this investigation in, it is best for me to use the strength of Trypsin that reacts with the gelatin in the fastest time: the 5% solution.

Plan:

Apparatus:

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-Timer x5

-Test tube x5

-Test tube rack

-Scissors

-Ruler

-Stirrer

-Photographic film

-Beaker of 5% Trypsin

-Syringe x6

-Buffer solutions in the following pHs: 5, 7, 8, 9, 11

Method:

-Firstly I will cut the photographic film up into 15 equally sized pieces (1cm squared). Put one piece into each of the 5 test tubes.

-Secondly, I will measure out 3cm cubed of a buffer solution into one of the test tubes. I will do this for each of the five buffer solutions, making sure to use a clean syringe for each one so as not to ...

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