Lab Report

Simple Enzyme Experiments

Simple Enzyme Experiments

Becky Schlink-Wolfgram

Biology 110 Lab

Davenport University

Dr. Diegel

10/23/12

Simple Enzyme Experiments

There were four different enzymes used in four different experiments. The first one was amylase, this enzyme is found in human saliva and also in the pancreas where it breaks down starch into simple sugars. It is also present in germinating seeds where it breaks down starch into maltose. The next enzyme is catalase which is an antioxidant enzyme found in living cells. It breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. Papain is the third enzyme that was experimented with. It comes from the juice of papaya plants and is used in meat tenderizers and in medicine to promote digestion and the healing of wounds. Lastly we have an enzyme called rennin. Rennin is an enzyme produced in the stomachs of young mammals and it causes milk to curdle.

Materials and Methods

Materials needed for amylase experiment:

* 3 starch agar plates (0.2% soluble starch, 2% agar) per group

* Wax pencil

* Distilled water (in wash bottle)

* Corn seed grain (dry, soaked, and boiled)

* Iodine (in dropper bottle)

* Razor blade or scalpel

* Incubator

* Metric ruler

* Q tip

With the wax pencil, the agar plates were divided into four quadrants and labeled soaked seeds, boiled seeds, dry seeds, and salivary amylase. Then using a razor blade, the corn seeds were cut longitudinally and placed cut side down on the surface of the agar leaving a space of 2cm between each piece. In the space for salivary amylase, the inside of a cheek was swabbed and then rubbed on the agar plate. Once all the samples were properly placed on the agar plates they were incubated for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes were up, the corn was removed and the plate was rinsed gently with distilled water. Then the plate was flooded with iodine solution, swishing it around until color develops and...