PBL1 & PBL2 Enzymatic Reactions

1. Introduction

Enzymes are biological catalysts that have numerous industrial applications such as in food
processing, clinical diagnoses, sewage treatment, and the textile industry. For process design
and optimization, it is essential to determine the kinetics of enzymatic reactions. Simple
enzymatic reactions can be described by Michaelis-Menten model. This model is suitable for
single-substrate-single-enzyme reaction. Enzymatic reactions are also affected by various
factors such as pH, temperature, and inhibitory substances. Thus it is necessary to determine
the optimum condition of the enzymatic reaction before it is applied in the industry.

2. Problem Statements

Select an enzyme from a natural product, design an experiment that addresses the following
questions:
i) Demonstrate the enzymatic reaction.
ii) Determine the kinetic parameters of the selected enzymatic reaction.
iii) Demonstrate the effects of two factors on the enzymatic reaction. And show how
the kinetic parameters are affected.

Each group must select a different enzyme and design a different experiment.

Deliverables:
i) Literature review on enzymes and Michaelis-Menten model
ii) Justification of enzyme selection
iii) Justification of experimental design
iv) Job safety analysis

3. Experiment

Apply your creativity, propose experiments that address the above questions. Please propose
a list of equipment and materials required by week 6. Only make use of the existing
laboratory facilities, and free/low cost materials.