Practical 12
To investigate the effect of temperature on enzyme activity
Hypothesis:
There will be an increase in the volume of gas produced until the optimum temperature is
reached.This will cause an increase in the Q10.
Catalase is an enzyme found in the cells of most organisms that breaks hydrogen peroxide down into
water and oxygen.[1] Catalase is found in high abundance in potatoes - the optimal temperature is
37℃. Enzymes will denature at temperatures higher than their optimum temperature, therefore
allowing no more substrate complex to form
Equipment
● Water bath
● Boiling tube
● Bung
● Potato
● Grater
● Hydrogen peroxide solution
● Delivery tube
● Gas syringe
● Stop clock
Variables
● Independent- temperature of the enzymes in water bath
● Dependent- volume of gas produced,Q10
● Control- amount of hydrogen peroxide added
Method
1. Grate 5g of potato place in a boiling tube
2. Add 15cm3 of hydrogen peroxide solutionto the potato
3. Fit the syringe into a delivery tube and the delivery tube into the boiling tube with a bung
4. Place the boiling tube into a water bath at a known temperature.
5. Time for 3 minutes then measure the volume of gas produced
6. Repeat the experiment at different temperatures.
Risk Assessment:
➔ Probability/severity of risk:1-Low,2-Medium,3-High/Likely
➔ Total Risk: 1, 2,3, 4, 6, 9
Risk: Hazard: Probability: Severity: Total Risk: Precaution:
Hydrogen Corrosive 3 3 6 Wear eye protection
Peroxide and gloves;wash
skin immediately if it
comes in contact
Hot liquids Scalding 2 2 4 Run burn under cold
water: seek
assistance from
teacher
Grater Injuries to 1 2 2 Use with care; grate
hand on a secure,stable
surface
To investigate the effect of temperature on enzyme activity
Hypothesis:
There will be an increase in the volume of gas produced until the optimum temperature is
reached.This will cause an increase in the Q10.
Catalase is an enzyme found in the cells of most organisms that breaks hydrogen peroxide down into
water and oxygen.[1] Catalase is found in high abundance in potatoes - the optimal temperature is
37℃. Enzymes will denature at temperatures higher than their optimum temperature, therefore
allowing no more substrate complex to form
Equipment
● Water bath
● Boiling tube
● Bung
● Potato
● Grater
● Hydrogen peroxide solution
● Delivery tube
● Gas syringe
● Stop clock
Variables
● Independent- temperature of the enzymes in water bath
● Dependent- volume of gas produced,Q10
● Control- amount of hydrogen peroxide added
Method
1. Grate 5g of potato place in a boiling tube
2. Add 15cm3 of hydrogen peroxide solutionto the potato
3. Fit the syringe into a delivery tube and the delivery tube into the boiling tube with a bung
4. Place the boiling tube into a water bath at a known temperature.
5. Time for 3 minutes then measure the volume of gas produced
6. Repeat the experiment at different temperatures.
Risk Assessment:
➔ Probability/severity of risk:1-Low,2-Medium,3-High/Likely
➔ Total Risk: 1, 2,3, 4, 6, 9
Risk: Hazard: Probability: Severity: Total Risk: Precaution:
Hydrogen Corrosive 3 3 6 Wear eye protection
Peroxide and gloves;wash
skin immediately if it
comes in contact
Hot liquids Scalding 2 2 4 Run burn under cold
water: seek
assistance from
teacher
Grater Injuries to 1 2 2 Use with care; grate
hand on a secure,stable
surface
