Lab: Effect of Temperature on the Catalase Enzyme

Lab: Effect of Temperature on the Catalase Enzyme

Background Information: Catalase is an enzyme which is commonly found in mammalian animals, such as, but not limited to, humans and cows. Catalase’s function in the body is to dissolve hydrogen peroxide. Without the aide of Catalase we would die as hydrogen peroxide is poisonous to humans. Catalase works with the hydrogen peroxide molecule because the substrate (hydrogen peroxide) has a shape which corresponds to the enzyme (Catalase), this similarity in form allows them to interact with each other.

When Catalase is introduced into an environment containing hydrogen peroxide you will see a slight, but slow, bubbling from the clear liquid. This reaction can be stopped with the addition of sulfuric acid.

Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to determine the effectiveness of Catalase after being agitated for different periods of time.

Research Question: Which, if any, level of agitation will be the ideal for the Catalase to react with the hydrogen peroxide.

Hypothesis: It can be hypothesized that greater levels of agitation will be least ideal for the Catalase to work in because agitation could disturb the enzyme

Variables: The manipulated variable is agitation. We are controlling the amount of hydrogen peroxide in each mixture, the amount of Catalase which will be mixed with the peroxide, and the concentration o f the MNO4.

Materials:

Catalase

Permanganate

Sulfuric Acid

Titration Tubes(4)

Ceramic Basin(4)

Beaker(4)

Hot Plate

Tea Pot

Thermometer(4)

Test Tube(8)

Test Tube Rack(2)

Pipette

Procedure:

First, gather all the materials which are required to proceed with the experiment. Set up all your materials in the correct manner before you begin any of the preliminary work on the experiment. Fill the four titration tubes with Permanganate until they are nearly full, about 10mL from the top. After the titration tubes are set up and filled, place the ceramic basins underneath, this is where the reaction will take place. Retrieve the Catalase from the lab assistant at this time. Separate the catalase into five test tubes, and shake one for five seconds, the other for ten seconds, and the third for 15 seconds, shake violently.