Topic: Enzymes

AIM: investigating the effect of pH on catalase

Catalase is an enzyme that found in the cells of many living tissues. It speeds up the breakdown of hydrogen
peroxide, a toxic chemical, into 2 harmless substances--water and oxygen. Light can also break down H2O2, which
is why it is sold in dark containers.
METHOD:
1. Label 3 test tubes A, B and C.
2. Using a 5 ml syringe, measure out 5ml of hydrogen peroxide solution and place in each of the test tubes
A, B and C.
3. Using a dropper place 2 drops of dilute HCl into test tube A and shake gently.
4. Using a forceps to dip the pH paper into the solution. Determine the pH of the contents using the chart
provided. Record the pH.
5. Repeat steps 3 and 4 but use 2 drops of water in test tube B and 2 drops of dilute NaOH in test tube C
using a clean dropper each time.
6. Using a 1 ml syringe, measure out 1ml of catalase extract and place into test tube A. Place the tube in the
rack and immediately start the stopwatch.
7. After 2 minutes, measure the height of the foam produced in test tube A.
8. Repeat steps 6 to 7 for test tubes B and C.
9. Record your observations in a table.

Answer the following questions in the spaces provided.

1. Construct a table in the space below to show the effect of pH on the height of foam.
 2. The catalase extract provided was made by grinding potatoes and then filtering the mixture. Explain the
importance of grinding and filtering.
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3. Based on your results, what is the optimum pH for catalase activity? Give evidence to support your answer.

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4. Explain the results you obtained for the other pH values.

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5. State and explain one source of error in this investigation.

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