Enzymes

Effect of Catalase on Hydrogen Peroxide

Introduction

Catalase is an oxidative catalyst enzyme that is found in all organisms that require oxygen or can survive in its presence. Catalase is an enzyme which catalyzes the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water (Everything Bio, 2007). Catalase is found in large amounts in the liver and serves as the liver’s cleansing function.

Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless, dense liquid that is often used as bleach or is diluted with water for use as an antiseptic (Science, 2010). Hydrogen peroxide causes processes similar to rusting. Metals rust as they react with oxygen and such molecules that cause rusting. Oxidative reactions can occur in plant or animal tissues if oxidative molecules are present. These anti-oxidants prevent tissue from oxidizing by aborting oxidizing molecules like hydrogen peroxide. Catalase is one of these anti-oxidant molecules. When the catalase comes in contact with hydrogen peroxide, it turns the hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O) and oxygen gas (O2). Catalase does this extremely efficiently, up to 200,000 reactions per second (How Stuff Works, 2013).

The purpose of this experiment is to test the effect of catalase on hydrogen peroxide at different temperatures. My hypothesis is that the beaker with room temperature water will produce a higher level of bubbles showing that catalase is in high frequency at this temperature.

Methods

Performing the lab was as fun as it was simple. The materials that were needed include: a potato, hydrogen peroxide, three beakers, permanent marker, a knife, water, pipette, a ruler, and a potato masher.

The first step in the experiment is to cut up a raw potato and mash it. If you cook the potato, the enzyme will break down. Start boiling water so that the next step can be performed. Acquire three beakers and label them room temperature, boiled and ice. Make a potato blend by mixing 40g of the mashed potato with 100ml of...