The Action of an Enzyme

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The Action of an Enzyme

Introduction

The breakdown of wastes in liver cells produces hydrogen peroxide

which is poisonous. This must be removed if the cell is to remain

unharmed.

Method

1. Label the test tubes A, B, C, and D. label the staining dishes B,

C, and D.

2. Put 5cm3 of hydrogen peroxide in each test tube. Be careful

-hydrogen peroxide is dangerous.

3. Put two cubes of raw liver into another test tube and put this in

the water bath (set at boiling) for 2 minutes.

4. Use forceps to remove the cubes from the test tube. Place one cube

on the staining dish B. Place the second cube in the mortar.

5. Grind the boiled cube (add a little water if necessary). Put the

paste on staining dish C (use a glass rod if necessary). Wash the

pestle and mortar.

6. Grind one raw cube in the mortar. Put the paste on staining dish D.

7. Put the remaining, uncooked cube of liver in test tube A; the

boiled cube in B: the boiled liver paste C and the raw liver paste in

D. Work quickly so that the liver is added to each tube more or less

at the same time. Start the stop clock at once.

8. After a suitable time interval, measure in centimeters and record

the height of the froth in each tube.

Results

Tube treatment of liver height of froth (cm)

A raw solid cube 10.5cm

B boiled solid cube 11cm

C boiled ground paste 9.5cm

D raw ground paste 10.4cm

Conclusion

A firm conclusion is not applicable to this experiment.

Cells can break down hydrogen peroxide because hydrogen peroxide is

poisonous and is a product when the liver breaks down waste therefore

enzymes (catalase) must be made in order to deal with it.

When the enzyme catalase is added to hydrogen peroxide, oxygen gas is

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