The Catalase Experiment

830 Words2 Pages

The Catalase Experiment

Aim:

The aim of this experiment is to find out what affect the temperature

has upon the speed of the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide when a

biological catalyst is used; the enzyme catalase.

Back ground:

============

Hydrogen peroxide is a decomposition reaction. This means that the

hydrogen peroxide, if left for long enough, will eventually decompose.

Hydrogen peroxide → Hydrogen + Oxygen

2H2O2→2H2O + O2

(Aq) (L) (G)

Using a catalyst can speed up this reaction.

An enzyme is a biological catalyst that is not used up. Enzymes are

found in many things. Enzymes can only break down one thing, e.g.

Carbohydrase breaks down Carbohydrates.

The fact that enzymes can only break down one thing is know as the

lock and key theory, it is shown below,

[IMAGE]

When an enzyme is heated up, the enzyme denatures, changes shape.

Therefore no longer breaks down the molecule. This is like if you bend

the key for your door, it will no longer fit or work in the lock.

Prediction:

I predict that the optimum decomposition temperature will be about

37°c. My reason for this prediction is that the optimum temperature

for enzymes to work is body temperature, (37°c). If the temperature

were higher, the enzyme would denature and not 'work' properly because

the shape of the enzyme will not fit the hydrogen peroxide molecule.

If the temperature was less, there will be less energy making the

enzymes move around less, reducing the amount of collisions between

the hydrogen peroxide molecules and the catalase less.

======================================================================

Equipment:

----------

§ Pestle and mortar (to mash up potato)

§ Potato (Contains the catalase)

§ Thermometer (to test temperature of Hydrogen peroxide)

§ Stop watch

§ Potato cutter

§ Hydrogen peroxide

§ Test tubes

§ Measuring cylinder

§ Beaker

§ Delivery tube

§ Retort stand

§ Safety glasses

§ bowl

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