The effect of temperature on the activity of trypsin.

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The effect of temperature on the activity of trypsin.

Aim

To investigate the effect of temperature on the activity of trypsin, using protein coated photographic film.

Apparatus

  • 4 cut photographic filmstrips
  • Trypsin solution (0.5%)
  • 3 test tubes
  • Test tube rack
  • Graduated pipette filler
  • Water bath
  • Thermometer
  • White tile
  • Stop watch

Method

  1. Set up 4 water baths at 30 C, 40 C, 50 C and 60 C. Put a thermometer in each water bath to check the temperature.
  2. Set the graduated pipette at 5cm   and pipette 5cm   of trypsin solution into each of the 4 test tubes.
  3. Place one test tubes in each of the different water baths set at different temperatures, but because there are only 3 test tubes you can use the same test tube for 30 C and 40 C.
  4. Leave the test tubes in the water baths for several minutes to reach the temperature of the water bath.
  5. Cut or obtain 4 small strips of photographic film.
  6. Place one filmstrip in the 30 C test tube containing trypsin enzyme, retaining the tube in the water bath and start the stopwatch immediately.
  7. Observe how long it takes for the filmstrip to clear (use white tile to help). Note down time in seconds.
  8. Repeat step 6 for the other 3 temperatures.
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NOTE! The trypsin solution may be reused for 30 C and 40 C because the enzymes will not be denatured.

Results

Class results

Reciprocal calculations

My results:

        1 / 479 = 0.002

        1 / 337 = 0.003

        1 / 125 = 0.008

        1 / 102 = 0.010

Class average results:

        1 / 536 = 0.002

        1 / 346 = 0.003

        1 / 165 = 0.006

        1 / 157 = 0.006

Graphs

On separate sheet of paper

Conclusion

On the ...

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