Investigating pH Effects on Catalase Activity
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of catalase in the experiment?

  • To produce hydrogen peroxide.
  • To act as a buffer for the solution.
  • To increase the concentration of potato extract.
  • To break down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. (correct)

    • At which pH level was the highest rate of oxygen production observed?

  • pH 6
  • pH 5
  • pH 7 (correct)
  • pH 8

    • Why is it essential to repeat the experiment using different buffers?

  • To test the effect of temperature on catalase activity.
  • To ensure accurate results regarding pH influence. (correct)
  • To confirm the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the experiment.
  • To avoid errors in measurement.

    • What is the composition of the solution added to the boiling tube before observing the reaction?

    <p>Potato extract, buffer, and hydrogen peroxide. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What safety precaution should be taken during the experiment?

    <p>Wear eye protection and avoid contact with the mixture. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does a buffer solution do in the context of this experiment?

    <p>It maintains a stable pH for the reaction. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What would likely happen to the rate of reaction if the pH were to drop significantly below 5?

    <p>The rate would significantly decrease. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the rate of oxygen production at pH 8?

    <p>14 bubbles per minute. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Buffer Solution

    A solution that resists changes in pH, helping to maintain a stable pH even when acids or bases are added.

    Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂)

    A toxic chemical produced by cells during metabolism. It can damage cells if it accumulates.

    Catalase

    An enzyme found in potato cells that breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into harmless water (H₂O) and oxygen gas (O₂).

    Potato Extract

    A liquid mixture extracted from potatoes containing catalase. It's used in the experiment to study catalase activity.

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    What is the purpose of the experiment?

    To investigate the effect of pH on the activity of the enzyme catalase in potato extract.

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    How does pH affect catalase activity?

    The enzyme's activity is highest at a specific pH level (in this case, around pH 7), decreasing at both higher and lower pH values.

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    What is measured in the experiment?

    The rate of oxygen gas production, which indicates the rate of catalase activity.

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    What are the safety precautions for this experiment?

    Wear eye protection, avoid contact with the mixture. Catalase is harmful to the eyes.

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    Study Notes

    Investigating the Effect of pH on Catalase Activity

    • Catalase is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂).
    • Buffer solutions resist changes in pH. Different solutions maintain different pH values.
    • Hydrogen peroxide is a metabolic product toxic to cells. Catalase protects cells by breaking it down.
    • Potato cells contain a high concentration of catalase.
    • A method was used to extract catalase from potato cells:
      • A large potato was chopped small and placed into a blender with an equal amount of water.
      • This mixture was blended to release the catalase from the potato cells.
      • The potato debris settled to the bottom of the mixture.
      • The liquid extract was removed.
    • The catalase extract's activity was then tested at different pH levels:
      • Using a syringe, 5 cm³ of potato extract was placed in a boiling tube.
      • 5 cm³ of a buffer solution (with a specific pH) was added to the boiling tube.
      • The mixture was shaken to combine the extract and buffer solution.
      • The mixture was left to settle for 5 minutes.
      • 5cm³ of 5% hydrogen peroxide solution was added to the reaction mixture.
      • A bung and delivery tube was placed in the boiling tube, connected to a beaker of water.
      • The number of oxygen bubbles produced by the reaction per minute was counted.
    • The experiment was repeated using different pH buffers. The results are shown in a table with pH levels and the rate of reaction (measured in bubbles per minute).

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    Description

    This quiz explores the relationship between pH levels and the activity of the enzyme catalase, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide. You'll learn about the methods used to extract catalase from potato cells and how different buffer solutions affect its performance. Test your understanding of enzyme activity, pH influence, and the role of catalase in cellular protection.

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