Effect of temperature on catalase

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Aim and Hypothesis

The investigation that we have chosen to do is how the effect of temperature affects the rate of reaction of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen using the enzyme catalase.

I predict that the higher the temperature the faster the rate of reaction will be and the more oxygen there will be given off. I've based this prediction on kinetic theory (every 10 degree rise in temperature the rate of reaction doubles.) This is because the substrate will lock on twice as fast, as it is travelling twice as fast.

To back up this prediction a pre experiment was carried out, one result was obtained, using this result here is a table of predicted values:

 

Red = initial experiment average.

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  • Note: although most enzymes denature above the bodies natural temperature (35 - 37 degrees) catalase denatures at around 60 degrees.
  • When the enzyme is denatured the active site is destroyed so it cannot lock onto the substrate)

Method: For the pre experiment, we measured the oxygen produced not water because it is a gas and therefore easier to collect. We decided on a time of 2 minutes 30 seconds, much longer than this would have taken up too much time. ASK MR LOVE ABOUT THIS BIT

To work out the rate of reaction for the predicted results ...

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