Philip Mannas                11/30/2008

IA: Biology HL

Amylase Investigation

Plan (D)

Aim: 

 To investigate how Enzymes (bacterial Amylase) behave under varied temperature conditions during enzyme reaction with a substrate solution of starch.  

Hypothesis:  

 I predict that the rate of enzyme reaction will increase as the temperature rises but after optimum temperature is reached the reaction will no longer produce maltose because the enzyme’s bonds will break and lose its shape causing it to denature. I also predict that when the temperature is high (approximately 40 degrees Celsius), the rate of enzyme reaction is twice as faster than it is when the temperature is low (approximately 5 degrees Celsius) because of its activation energy. The heats in the enzymes surroundings supply it with energy so it becomes activated so that its reactions can start off. At increasing temperature it provides more energy for collisions with the substrate and for reactions to occur at a high rate. But after optimum temperature is reached, the iodine will no longer show any differences that would indicate that there’s a lack of starch present and no maltose is indicated through its colour indication. Beyond optimum temperature, the rate of reaction denatures the enzyme because the structure loses its shape and the substrate can’t fit into the enzyme.

Apparatus:

2 dimple trays, iodine indicator solution, 50-100ml starch solution, 25-50ml bacterial amylase, 2 pipettes, test tube, measuring cylinders, test tube rack, hot bath, water, ice, thermometer, large beaker, stopwatch

Diagram

 

Variables: 

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 Method:

  • Add a droplet of iodine consecutively in each dimple of the dimple tray with a pipette.
  • Measure 2 ml of amylase and 6ml of starch solution each in a measuring cylinder.
  • Add the solution of starch into a test tube
  • Modify the temperature of its surroundings. If it’s cooler than room temperature, then the test tube should be put in a large beaker of ice and water should be added fitting the appropriate temperature (such that of 5 degrees Celsius). If the temperature is warmer than room temperature, then the test tube should be put into a ...

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