Finding the Best Temperature for the Enzyme Amylase

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Finding the Best Temperature for the Enzyme Amylase

Aim: The aim for this experiment is to find out the best temperature

for the enzyme amylase and at what temperature of water it works the

fastest. I plan to collect evidence to prove that the enzyme amylase

will work best at the temperature 37ËšC. I will choose a range of

temperatures two below 37ËšC and two above 37ËšC so I will be able to

determine what temperature it works best at.

Prediction:

I think that the enzyme amylase will work the best and fastest at 37Ëš.

I think this because this is at body temperature so amylase works at

its best to digest large insoluble food molecules into smaller simpler

and more soluble molecules to be digested.

Scientific knowledge:

The scientific knowledge I know is that amylase digests insoluble

starch molecules into smaller soluble molecules of sugar (glucose).

Enzymes are biological catalysts. They speed up the rate of a reaction

without themselves being used up. Enzymes are individual proteins

which controls a particular reaction or type of reaction. They are

specific e.g. amylase always acts on starch. Enzymes can be used over

and over again. They can work up to temperatures of 40ËšC but if the

temperature goes above 45ËšC the enzymes become denatured and cannot

work anymore. Enzymes have a 3D shape which has to be intact for the

enzyme to function correctly. If the 3D shape is altered or destroyed

the enzyme will not function and will become denatured. The 3D shape

is held to together by bonds and if these bonds are broken, the 3D

shape is lost and the enzyme is denatured. The optimum temperature for

body enzymes is 37ËšC. Amylase will only work in an alkaline condition.

Lock and Key

[IMAGE]

Apparatus list:

Five test tubes Dimpled tile

Starch solution Matches

Amylase solution Pipettes (1/gp)

Stop watches Splints

250ml beaker H20 bath set at 37ËšC

10ml measuring cylinder

Iodine solution

Thermometer

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