An investigation into how enzyme concentration (catalyse in a potato) affects the rate of reaction an enzyme catalysed reaction.

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AS BIOLOGY COURSEWORK

Investigation into how enzymes concentration affects the rate of reaction

Aim:

An investigation into how enzyme concentration (catalyse in a potato) affects the rate of reaction an enzyme catalysed reaction.

Theory

Enzymes are biological catalysts that are composed of globular protein molecules. 'A catalyst is a molecule which speeds up a chemical reaction, but remains unchanged at the end of the reaction.' (Cambridge Biology 1 by Mary Jones.) As an enzyme is a globular protein the molecule is curled up so the non-polar R groups point away from surrounding water into the centre of the molecule. Catalase is an enzyme made up of protein molecules. A catalase speeds up a reaction from the substrate. Catalase is present in the majority of living things including carrot, liver and potato. Hydrogen has the chemical formula of H2O2. It is a colourless liquid used in rocket propellant, bleaching textiles and in the manufacture of other chemicals. Hydrogen peroxide is a toxic and the catalase decomposes it down into the non-toxic water and oxygen. This reaction is important to the cell where it occurs because hydrogen peroxide would poison and kill the cells.

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