The Effect of Temperature on an Enzyme's Ability to Break Down Fat

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The Effect of Temperature on an Enzyme's Ability to Break Down Fat Aim: To investigate the effect of temperature on an enzyme’s (lipase) ability to break down fat. Hypothesis: The graph below shows the rate increasing as the enzymes get closer to their optimum temperature (around 35 degrees Celsius) from room temperature. The enzyme particles are moving quicker because the temperature increases so more collisions and reactions occur between the enzymes and the substrate molecules. After this the graph shows the rate decreasing as the enzymes are past their optimum temperature (higher than). They are getting exposed to temperatures that are too hot and so the proteins are being destroyed. The shape of the molecules is changing and so the enzyme molecules can no longer fit into the gaps in the substrate that they need to and therefore the enzymes have de – natured and can no longer function as they are supposed to and cannot do their job correctly. Changing the temperature: Five different temperatures could be investigated. Water baths were used to maintain a constant temperature. Water baths were set up at 40 degrees, 60 degrees and 80 degrees (Celsius). Room temperature investigations were also carried out (20 degrees). Using a Bunsen burner, tripod and beaker of water 100 degrees could also be tested and 0 degrees was tested by using ice. (I didn’t investigate the 80 degrees temperature). Fair test: Below is a list of things that were kept the same throughout the investigation: Volumes of lipase and milk (by using syringes); volumes of phenolphthalein and sodium carbonate (using pipettes); (best volumes from the preliminary work were used). Each temperature was repeated three times to get a good average. The milk and lipase were equilibrated to the right temperatures before the lipase was added to the milk. Equipment list: Test tubes were used to hold the milk, the lipase and the milk and lipase solutions. Test tube racks were used to hold the test tubes

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