Reaction Rate of Catalase and Hydrogen Peroxide

Reaction Rates of Catalase and

Hydrogen Peroxide

Reaction Rate of Catalase and Hydrogen Peroxide

Introduction

In this experiment, students measured the reaction rate that takes place when different concentrations of catalase (enzyme) are introduced to hydrogen peroxide (substrate) at 1% concentration. Following this test a similar experiment was conducted; measuring the reaction rate of one catalase concentration is introduced to different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. By understanding the rate of reaction between this enzyme and substrate, an understanding of how it is necessary for organic cells to survive using this reaction to decompose of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). “Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is a by-product of respiration and is made in all living cells. Hydrogen peroxide is harmful and must be removed as soon as it is produced in the cell. Cells make the enzyme catalase to remove hydrogen peroxide.”1

Students hypothesize that with a greater concentration of enzyme (catalase) the higher the rate of reaction will be when introduced to substrate (hydrogen peroxide). In the following experiment student hypothesize that with a greater concentration of substrate (hydrogen peroxide), the lower the rate of reaction will be to the enzyme (catalase).

Potato slurry is mixed with distilled water to create different concentrations of the necessary enzyme, catalase, to break down hydrogen peroxide. The products of the substrate (H2O2) break down is; H2O and O2, which are measured by the reaction rate in these experiments.

Materials

Instructions for experiments were provided by student lab manual, Introduction to Cell Functions Laboratory: Student guide for Bio 107. Materials necessary for first experiment (different catalase concentrations to 1% hydrogen peroxide):

*

* Potato

* Digital Balance

* Weighing trays

* Distilled water

* Blender

* Strainer

* Cheesecloth

* 250 ml beaker

* Wax pencil

* 100 ml...