The rate at which substrate is converted into product during an enzyme-controlled reaction

GCSE Biology Coursework

Aim

I am going to carry out an investigation into the rate at which substrate is converted into product during an enzyme-controlled reaction.

Introduction

Thousands of chemical reactions happen in our cells. To keep us alive, the reactions must happen quickly. Some chemicals make reactions happen at a much faster rate, these chemicals are called catalysts. The catalysts in our cells are called Enzymes. Enzymes work on substances called substrates, which are changed into products. The reaction takes place on a part of the surface of the enzymes called the active site:

This explains the enzyme action, which is also known as the lock and key mechanism.

There are a number of factors, which can affect the rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction:

PH
Amount/concentration of substrate present
Amount/concentration of enzyme present
Surface area

The enzyme I am going to use is CATALASE, which is found in the tissues of most living things. During metabolism, living cells produce “Hydrogen Peroxide” (H2O2), which is toxic and is immediately broken down.

CATALASE catalyses the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water ...