Enzymes
Enzymes are proteins that catalyze chemical reactions in the cell. Students will demonstrate that enzymes have conditions where they function optimally, and that they can be denatured.
Students will measure oxygen produced by adding hydrogen peroxide to a fresh sample of liver and compare their baseline to other variables. Run 1 shows a fresh sample and Run 2 shows the results from a liver sample that has been boiled.
Lab Summary
Explore some of the factors that influence the rate of enzyme activity in an organism, such as temperature and pH.
Downloads
- Xplorer GLX-based lab (PDF. 964 KB) (900 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
- Computer-based lab (PDF, 508 KB) (506 KB, .pdf)
(student version)
Method
Use an Oxygen Gas Sensor to measure the production of oxygen gas when catalase reacts with hydrogen peroxide under different conditions.
Here's What You Need
U.S. Educator prices shown.
Probeware
PASPORT Oxygen Gas Sensor (PS-2126A) - $195
The Oxygen Gas Sensor accurately measures oxygen concentration in the atmosphere or in enclosed spaces.
Xplorer GLX (PS-2002) - $349
The Xplorer GLX is a data collection, graphing, and analysis tool designed for science students and educators.
Other Products
Ohaus Triple-Beam Balance (without Tare) (SE-8723) - $147
This Ohaus triple-beam mechanical balance (without tare) is accurate and easy to use. This balance has been a standard weighing instrument in student laboratories for decades.
Beaker, 1000 ml (6 Pack) (SE-7288) - $59
This 1000 ml Beaker is borosilicate student-grade glassware for use in the physics lab. Package of 6.
Graduated Cylinder, 50 ml (12 Pack) (SE-7289) - $119
This 50 ml Graduated Cylinder is borosillicate student-grade glassware for use in the physics lab. Package of 12.
Hot Plate (SE-8830) - $159
This compact and durable hot plate can reach up to 400 °C in minutes. The cast aluminum top plate provides an even heating surface, and it even has a built in support rod holder.
Other Materials
- Magnetic Stirrer and Stir Bar
- Test tube
- Tongs
- Chicken Liver Extract, 12 mL
- Hydrochloric Acid, 1 molar, 10 mL
- Hydrogen Peroxide, 3%, 100 mL
- Ice, crushed or cube, 0.5 L
- Sodium Fluoride, solid, 1 g
- Sodium Hydroxide, 1 molar, 10 mL
- Water, 0.5 L
- Water, Distilled, 0.5 L
- Weighing paper
