To investigate the effect of temperature on the enzyme Catalase.

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To investigate the effect of temperature on the enzyme Catalase

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this experiment is to determine the effects of varying temperatures on enzyme (Catalase). We will conclude the experiment by establishing the enzymes optimum temperature (the temperature at which it works best at). We will also carry out some simple experiments using the substrate Hydrogen Peroxide.

Hydrogen Peroxide + Catalase ------> Water + Oxygen

2HO ------->H2O + O2 + heat

PLAN

The aim of this experiment is to determine the effect of varying temperature of enzyme Catalase.

Apparatus

.Water bath

.Thermometer

.Pipette

.Stop Clock

.Measuring cylinder

.Inverted cylinder

.Inverted measuring cylinder

.Conical Flask/bung

.Delivery tube

Using the equipment safely

It is important that we use the apparatus carefully, as safety will be an issue through out the whole experiment. We will wear goggles and an apron, to protect our eyes and clothes. As we are using enzymes and Hydrogen Peroxide we need to be extra careful, ensuring they don't come in contact with our eyes and skin. We also must be careful when using hot water, being careful not to burn ourselves. Therefore through out the whole experiment we shall be very careful in our actions around the lab.

Catalase is an enzyme found in all living cells. It makes Hydrogen Peroxide decompose into water and oxygen. We will measure the amount of Oxygen released from the Hydrogen Peroxide. In order to do this we will use an inverted measuring cylinder. This piece of apparatus measures the amount of Oxygen given off, measuring in (ml). This will help us measure the amount of Oxygen more accurately.

To make the test fair, the following parameters must remain constant during the experiment. These parameters are water, Hydrogen Peroxide, Catalase, room temperature and the duration of the reactions. If the reaction reacts too quickly we may dilute the solution. By insuring this test is fair, we will gain accurate results.

Variables

Dependant Variable: rate of breakdown of Hydrogen Peroxide, time

Independent Variable: temperature of solution.

Control Variable: Volume of Hydrogen Peroxide, volume of Catalase solution, concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide, concentration of Catalase.

HYPOTHESIS

I predict that the breakdown of Hydrogen Peroxide will be quicker when the temperature is increased until it exceeds 40°C. I predict that the enzymes optimum temperature is 23°C (room temperature) . This is because a rise in temperature increases the rate of most chemical reactions and a fall in temperature will slow them down. In many cases a rise in 10°C will double the rate of reaction in a cell. This is particle theory. I am going to investigate the temperature at which reactions occur. I predict an increase in temperature will result in an increase in kinetic energy. Since the speed of particles increases, they should collide more often and therefore the speed of reaction increases. The particles will also have more energy thereby speeding up the reaction even more. It has been suggested that for every 10 degree rise in temperature, the speed of the reaction will double.

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At low temperatures particles of reacting substances do not have much energy. However, when the substances are heated, the particles take in energy. This causes them to move faster and collide more often. The collisions have more energy, so more of them are successful. Therefore the rate of reaction increases.

The more successful the collisions are the faster the reaction.

The same can be said for reactions controlled by enzymes, but because enzymes are proteins if the temperature exceeds 50°C the enzyme will be denatured and will no longer work. For this reason few cells can tolerate temperatures higher than ...

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