Investigating how changing the concentration effects the rate of the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and catalase from a potato.

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Simon Ellis L6Er

Biology Coursework

Investigating how changing the concentration effects the rate of the reaction between hydrogen peroxide and catalase from a potato

Planning

Introduction

The enzyme catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Hydrogen peroxide is a highly active chemical, often used in bleach or for cleaning minor wounds. It is also formed continually as a byproduct of chemical reactions in a living cell. It is toxic and if the cells did not immediately break it down it would destroy them. Hence the importance of the enzyme. It is in fact the fastest enzymes known. The enzyme is able to speed up the decomposition of Hydrogen peroxide because the shape of its active site matches the shape of the Hydrogen peroxide molecule. This type of reaction where a molecule is broken down into smaller pieces is called an Anabolic Reaction.

 

                                        Catalase  

Hydrogen Peroxide                                       Water + Oxygen    

         2H2O2                                                              2H2O + O2

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In this investigation I will be able to watch the action of catalase in a test tube and compare it with an inorganic catalyst that causes the same reaction.

Variables  

To ensure this experiment is completed as fairly as possible, all the variables except for the concentration of Hydrogen Peroxide must be kept the same for all experiments; this is the independent variable. Variables that must not be altered include, dependent are:
Temperature, Catalase Concentration, and pH.

When measuring the volumes of water and Hydrogen Peroxide, the measurement should be taken from a 90-degree angle ...

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