Enzyme Lab

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Enzymes are “catalysts that increase the rate of virtually all the chemical reactions within cells” (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK9921/). They also decrease the amount of activation energy of reactions. Through this process of decreasing energy and increasing the reaction speed, enzymes allow organisms metabolic needs and other function stay at the correct stride. Without enzymes, “the human body would not exist without enzymes because the chemical reactions required to maintain the body simply would not occur fast enough” (Gilbert). Enzymes have a unique structure which help connect a certain molecule called a substrate. The process takes place in a certain region and made to only fit one type of substrate, so it is like a lock and…show more content…
The null-hypothesis is that the reaction rate of an enzyme will not be affected by the environment. In the experiment test we are using the enzyme catecholase and the compound catechol which is found in cells of many fruits and vegetables. In the cells catecholase and catechol are usually separated but will interact under certain conditions. With damaged cells, the enzyme and substrate will collide and catecholase catalyzes to form benzoquinone. Benzoquinone is the substance that creates the pigment melanin which causes the foods to…show more content…
You will also need a graduated cylinder to do measurements in and a Thermo Scientific Genesis 20 spectrophotometer. To start off, you need to take five test tubes and fill them with 9mL of the buffers. (One type of buffer in each test tube.) Label each test tube with the pH number and the letter “B” for blanks. Add 1mL of the catecholase which is the potato juice, and 1mL of water to all five of the test tubes so it should look like table A.1. Use the Parafilm to cover the top and carefully mix the reactants. Next carefully pour the compound into the cuvettes and have the cuvettes labeled with each of the different pH number and the letter “B”. After setting up the cuvettes with the blanks, set up the spectrophotometer to measure the wavelengths at 420 nm. Once both the spectrophotometer and cuvettes are ready take the other test tubes and add the pH buffers, potato juice and water like you did earlier. This time add 1mL of the catechol to all of the five test tubes being used right now. It should now be similar to table A.2. Cover the tubes with the Parafilm and mix the turn the tubes several times to mix the reactants. Once mixed, let the compound sit for five minutes while still turning the tubes every minute in that time frame.

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