An investigation into the effect temperature has on the activity of the enzyme catalase in the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and molecular oxygen

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An investigation into the effect temperature has on the activity of the enzyme catalase in the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and molecular oxygen

.....In an enzyme-catalyzed reaction, the substance to be acted upon binds reversibly to the active site of the enzyme. One result of this temporary union is a reduction in the energy required to activate the reaction of the substrate molecule so that the products of the reaction are formed.

2H2O2 =2H2O + O2

Catalase is an enzyme present in the cells of plants, animals and aerobic (oxygen requiring) bacteria. The enzyme catalase decomposes hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen (O) gas.

Although enzymes are sensitive molecule, enzymes are very specific; they are made up of globular protein which had polypeptide chains. Enzymes work in a reaction by fixing themselves to substrates, these reactions can be described as catabolic or anabolic. The theory behind enzyme reactions is often described as 'lock and key'. This theory relies heavily upon the idea that the protein which the enzyme is made of keeps its specific shape. Catalase has a narrow range of conditions under which it can function properly. These