Investigation of How the Concentration of Catalase Enzyme Affects the Rate of Reaction

Investigation of How the Concentration of Catalase Enzyme Affects the Rate of Reaction

Aim:

To find out how the concentration of Catalase Enzyme will affect the

enzyme activity and the rate of reaction towards Hydrogen Peroxide. (H

O )

Prediction:

I predict that with the higher concentration of enzyme, the likelihood

of it breaking down molecules will be greater because there will be

more enzymes to work at the substrate and the chances of it colliding

will be higher making the activity time quicker.

Equipment:

· Syringe

· Measuring Cylinder (×2)

· Knife

· Blender

· Beakers (×2)

· Balance

· Hydrochloric Acid in a beaker

· Stop clock

· Potato

· Water in a beaker

Preliminary Experiment:

In this experiment we will be using an enzyme called Catalase. By

using different amounts of this enzyme we will be diluting it with

water to test how the concentration of Catalase affects the rate of

reaction with Hydrogen Peroxide. (H O )

Catalase is an enzyme mainly found in the liver of our body. One of

its functions is to break down Hydrogen Peroxide, a compound almost

the same as water, containing Hydrogen (2 atoms) and Oxygen (2 atoms).

Its chemical formula is H ) . In our body we produce Hydrogen

Peroxide. Sometimes people may get small patches of white in the skin

and this is a result of over production of H O . Although Hydrogen

Peroxide left alone will eventually break down, Catalase will speed

this reaction up a lot faster therefore in those circumstances it is

inserted into the body. Hydrogen Peroxide broken down will produce

Water and Oxygen.

In our experiment the independent variable is the concentration of the

Catalase Enzyme. Our dependent variable is the rate of the reaction.

In this particular experiment we will be using diluted Hydrogen

Peroxide as we will be using a lot.

I have decided to do a Preliminary Experiment because it will be a