Liver Lab - Enzyme Function and Catalase

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary role of enzymes in biological reactions?

To increase the activation energy required for reactions

To serve as reactants in chemical processes

To act as a substrate in chemical reactions

To catalyze reactions by lowering activation energy (correct)

Where in the human body is the enzyme catalase located?

In the lungs

In the liver (correct)

In the stomach

In the heart

What is the result of the reaction catalyzed by catalase when exposed to hydrogen peroxide?

Release of heat and water

Decomposition into water and oxygen (correct)

Formation of hydrogen gas and oxygen

Production of a toxic substance

In the control situation described, what is the expected outcome when liver is placed in water?

No visible reaction occurs Signup and view all the answers

What component acts as a biological catalyst in the study described?

Enzyme Signup and view all the answers

What are the products of the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide by catalase?

Water and oxygen Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT typically tested in enzyme activity experiments?

Light intensity Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a control situation in an experiment?

To compare with the experimental group to identify changes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of adding hydrogen peroxide to the liver in this experiment?

To observe enzyme-catalyzed reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is being tested in part 3 of the experiment?

Effects of temperature on enzyme activity Signup and view all the answers

What type of information is collected after dipping a pH strip into the wells during part 4?

pH level of the solution Signup and view all the answers

How does the experiment describe the relationship between enzyme and substrate?

As a lock and key mechanism. Signup and view all the answers

Upon adding hydrochloric acid to well B3, what type of reaction would you likely observe?

Decrease in enzymatic activity Signup and view all the answers

What role does the liver play in the procedures outlined in the experiment?

It serves as the source of catalase enzyme. Signup and view all the answers

What would likely happen when fresh hydrogen peroxide is added to a well containing liver?

Rapid production of oxygen gas Signup and view all the answers

Why is 1000 ml of catalase solution considered too much for 10 lab groups?

Each group only needs a small sample for the reaction. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Liver Lab - Enzymes

Objective: To understand enzyme function and disruption.
Background: Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions by lowering activation energy. They are essential for many biological processes, including cellular respiration.
Catalase: A specific enzyme found in liver that breaks down hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂). This reaction occurs faster when catalase is present.
Enzyme Function: Enzymes work by bringing reactants (substrates) close together, facilitating their interaction, and speeding up reactions.
Liver Location: Liver is the location of catalase in the human body.
Chemical Equation: The chemical equation for catalase-catalyzed reaction is: 2H₂O₂ → 2H₂O + O₂
Enzyme-Substrate: An enzyme and substrate relationship is often described as a lock and key. The substrate fits into the active site of the enzyme.
Control Situation: A control situation in an experiment is a baseline condition to compare results. Enzymes are often used in experiments to test different variables like temperature, pH, and concentration.
Materials: Liver pieces, hydrogen peroxide, deionized water, ice bath, hot water bath, well plate, sharpie, tweezers, hydrochloric acid solution, hydroxide solution, pH test strips, 10mL graduated cylinder, and pipettes.

Procedures

Part 1 (Control): Place liver in wells A1 and B1. Add hydrogen peroxide to A1, and water to B1. Observe and record reactions.
Part 2 (Enzyme function): Transfer liver from A1 to C1. Add fresh hydrogen peroxide to C1. Observe and record reactions. Repeat with new liver and previous hydrogen peroxide solution in C2.
Part 3 (Temperature): Add liver to A2, B2, C3. Add hot, cold, and room temperature hydrogen peroxide to each respective well. Record temperatures and observe reactions.
Part 4 (pH): Add liver, water, and hydrogen peroxide to A3, B3, C4 in each respective well. Measure pH of solution and observe reactions. Add hydrochloric acid solution to B3 to see changes in pH and observe reactions.

Data Analysis

Reaction Evidence: List evidence of a chemical reaction that occurred.
Enzyme Action Graph Analysis: Explain how enzymes affect chemical reactions based on the graph provided.
Enzyme Consumption: Determine if an enzyme is used up during a chemical reaction. Support this conclusion with the results from a given test tube.

Enzyme Lab Conclusion

Realistic Catalase Amount: Explain why 1000 mL of catalase solution is impractical given the nature of enzyme function. Explain the optimal conditions for catalase for effective use.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the fascinating world of enzymes with a focus on catalase found in the liver. Understand how enzymes act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions and the significance of enzyme-substrate interactions. This quiz covers the basics of enzyme function, their roles in biological processes, and the specific reaction catalyzed by catalase.