The Effect of Activator Concentration on the Rate of Reaction of Fungal Amylase

2288 Words5 Pages

The Effect of Activator Concentration on the Rate of Reaction of Fungal Amylase

Aim

Investigate the effect of Activator concentration (Calcium) on the

rate of reaction of enzyme (fungal amylase) using Starch as a

substrate.

Introduction

Enzymes are made of globular proteins and each enzyme molecule is of a

particular complex shape complementary to the substrate, which it

breaks. The shape of the enzyme and its active site is due to the

specific folding of the polypeptides chain within it. Enzymes behave

as biological catalyst. A biological catalyst is a substance that

breaks down large molecule of food into smaller ones, so that they can

be absorbed into the body's blood stream; however, they break down the

substance without being used them selves, hence known also as a

biological catalyst. They do so by binding themselves temporary to the

substrate on their active site that lowers the amount of energy needed

to spark a chemical reaction this energy is also known as the

activation energy.

Enzyme are subject to change by external stimuli, these stimuli may be

chemical e.g. pH, enzyme Concentration and Substrate concentration or

physical e.g. Heat or temperature. These stimuli can alter the overall

time it takes for the break down of a molecule for a given substance

this /time is otherwise known as the rate of reaction. Depending on

the type of the stimuli, concentration, volume or the temperature

which the enzyme is being subjected to the rate of reaction can be

decreased, increased or not be effected at all.

However, there are some factors, which directly affect the enzymes

structures amongst these are inhibito...

... middle of paper ...

...==========================================

The investigation could be carried out by using chloride ions instead

of calcium ions, this will enable us to conduct the experiment at

lower temperatures and also allow us to find the effect of the

activator more precisely as it will be easier to conduct the

investigation because the Buffer solution required is pH7.

Over all my investigation was fair and the desired results were

produces, my prediction was right therefore showing an increase in the

rate of reaction.

Bibliography

Title Author/s

* Essential AS Biology Glenn and Susan Toole

* Biological Science 1&2 2nd Edition N.P.O.Green, G.W.Stout,

D.J.Taylor

* Biology 3rd Edition Arms& Camp

CDs

Compton Interactive Encyclopaedia 1998 Edition

Internet

www.s-cool.co.uk

Open Document