The Effects of pH Levels on Catalysts
Samantha Burns
September 29, 2015
Mr. Lau
Abstract This lab’s purpose is to demonstrate the effect of pH on the catalase enzyme found in liver peroxisomes. It is hypothesised that if the pH level rises, then the rate of reaction will become faster. This will be determined by reacting hydrogen peroxide with liver peroxisomes in three different tubes with varying pH levels. The major findings from this laboratory were: The bubbles grew at a rate of about 0.24 cm/s for the pH 4, greater than 1.6 cm/s for the pH 7, and greater than 1.7 cm/s for the pH 10. From the data, it can be concluded that the rate of reaction for liver peroxisomes increases as the pH increases.
Introduction
The main…show more content… This was shown by reacting hydrogen peroxide with liver peroxisomes in three different tubes with varying pH levels. It was predicted that the rate of reaction would increase as the pH level increased and with the results this hypothesis is shown to be true.
Discussion Questions
1. The higher the pH, the faster the reaction.
2. A more basic environment would suit the peroxisomes…
3. The dependant variable of this lab is the rate of reaction, or the time it takes for the bubbles to reach their full height. The independent variable of this lab is the pH level.
4. I predict that the natural pH of a liver is on the basic side. In order to test this, one could take a portion of liver, grind it up and then add it to distilled water. Then, litmus paper could be added to determine the pH level.
5. Two other factors that can affect the rate of an enzyme reaction are temperature and inhibitors.
6. Whether temperature or inhibitors would be easier to test is all dependant on how easily the teacher can obtain