The breakdown of wastes in liver cells produces hydrogen peroxide which is poisonous. This must be removed if the cell is to remain unharmed.

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THE ACTION OF AN ENZYME

Introduction

The breakdown of wastes in liver cells produces hydrogen peroxide which is poisonous. This must be removed if the cell is to remain unharmed.

Method

  1. Label the test tubes A, B, C, and D. label the staining dishes B, C, and D.
  2. Put 5cm3 of hydrogen peroxide in each test tube. Be careful –hydrogen peroxide is dangerous.
  3. Put two cubes of raw liver into another test tube and put this in the water bath (set at boiling) for 2 minutes.
  4. Use forceps to remove the cubes from the test tube. Place one cube on the staining dish B. Place the second cube in the mortar.
  5. Grind the boiled cube (add a little water if necessary). Put the paste on staining dish C (use a glass rod if necessary). Wash the pestle and mortar.
  6. Grind one raw cube in the mortar. Put the paste on staining dish D.
  7. Put the remaining, uncooked cube of liver in test tube A; the boiled cube in B: the boiled liver paste C and the raw liver paste in D. Work quickly so that the liver is added to each tube more or less at the same time. Start the stop clock at once.
  8. After a suitable time interval, measure in centimeters and record the height of the froth in each tube.
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Results

Tube treatment of liver        height of froth (cm)

   A    raw solid cube             10.5cm

   B    boiled solid cube          11cm

   C    boiled ground paste        9.5cm

   D    raw ground paste           10.4cm

 

Conclusion

A firm conclusion is not applicable to this experiment.

  Cells can break down hydrogen peroxide because hydrogen peroxide is poisonous and is a product when the liver breaks down waste therefore enzymes (catalase) ...

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