Biology - HOT Science Lab

Student
Enzyme Catalyst Lab
NGSSS:
SC.A.912.L.18.1 Describe the basic molecular structures and primary functions of the four
major categories of biological macromolecules. (AA)
Background:
This lab focuses on one particular enzyme – catalase. Catalase plays an indispensable role in a
living cell by preventing the accumulation of toxic levels of hydrogen peroxide formed as a
byproduct of metabolism. The enzyme, catalase, speeds up the breakdown of hydrogen
peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) into water (H 2 O) and oxygen gas (O 2 ). The reaction is described by the
following equation:
2 H 2 O 2 → 2 H 2 O + O 2
Problem Statement: How will different concentrations of hydrogen peroxide affect the reaction
of an enzyme Or develop your own problem statement and experiment based on the factors
that can affect the reaction rate of a catalyst. (pH, temperature, or concentration)
Safety:
Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer and could bleach clothing.
Protect clothing by wearing a lab apron.
Wear safety goggles
Vocabulary: activation energy, active site, enzyme, catalase, catalyst, denaturation, enzyme,
induced-fit model, rate of reaction, substrate
Materials (per group):
Yeast solution
Hydrogen peroxide
Filter paper disks
Forceps
Eight 50 ml beakers
Distilled water
Marking pencil
Paper towels
Hot plate
Vinegar
Graph paper
Procedures:
1. Make a hypothesis based on the problem statement.
2. Prepare peroxide solutions in separate test tubes as outlined in Table 1.
Table 1: Concentration Hydrogen Peroxide Solutions
Concentration Hydrogen Peroxide Distilled Water
0% Peroxide Solution 0 ml 35 ml
25% Peroxide Solution 9 ml 27 ml
50% Peroxide Solution 18 ml 18 ml
75% Peroxide Solution 27 ml 9 ml
100% Peroxide Solution 35 ml 0 ml
Biology HSL Page 226
Curriculum and Instruction