OVERVIEW

In this laboratory you will measure the amount of product generated and then calculate the rate of conversion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to water and oxygen gas by the enzyme catalase.

OBJECTIVES

Section A: Before doing this laboratory you should understand:

• the general functions and activities of enzymes
• the relationship between the structure and function of enzymes
• the concepts of initial reaction rates of enzymes
• how the concept of free energy relates to enzyme activity
• how pH relates to enzyme activity
• that changes in temperature, pH, enzyme concentration, and substrate concentration can affect the initial reaction rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions

Section B: In this experiment, you will

• use a computer and pressure sensor to measure the destruction of hydrogen peroxide by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various enzyme concentrations.
• measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for this enzyme when different concentrations of enzyme react with H2O2.
• use a computer to measure the destruction of hydrogen peroxide by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various temperatures.
• measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each temperature.
• use a computer to measure the destruction of hydrogen peroxide by the enzyme catalase or peroxidase at various pH values.
• measure and compare the initial rates of reaction for the enzyme at each pH value.

LAB GUIDE

Lab2-EnzymeCatalysis.doc  (96k)