Catalase Practical Planning Sheet

This is a method used to measure enzyme rate of reaction. To obtain CPAC 2 you need to be
able to alter a method to test a different independent variable.

Method:
1.Grind a cylinder of potato with distilled water to make a smooth paste containing the enzyme.
2.Place 10cm3 of H2O2 solution into a specimen tube/test tube with 0cm3 of water (100% stock solution).
3.Using forceps, dip a filter paper disc into the enzyme suspension. Tap off the excess.
4.Drop the filter paper disc into the hydrogen peroxide solution (make sure it goes right to the bottom)
and measure the time, to the nearest second, that it takes to return to the top of the solution.
5.Remove the disc from the tube using forceps and discard.

2H2O2 -----> 2H2O + O2

Experimental Design
You need to redesign this method (using the same apparatus only) to investigate either effect of
substrate concentration or enzyme concentration. Complete in the boxes below:

Independent Variable (Range and Units included)

Dependent Variable (Units included)

Controlled Variables – at least two needed (Values and Units Included)

Method (Re-written using information on variables above too)

Control Experiment: In a control experiment you cannot remove any of the equipment from
the initial investigation, but you are trying to prove the test is valid by showing the enzyme
is the cause. What would you do to stop the enzyme from working? Explain how you would
do this too.

What do we do to make sure results are reliable?

Additional Questions

1. You are told to remove the paper disc from the catalase extract and shake off any
surplus liquid (step 3). Explain why it is necessary to tap off surplus liquid.

2. In this investigation, you are asked to record the time taken for the disc to rise to the
surface. Explain why this is a valid measure of the rate of the reaction.

c) Identifies and controls significant quantitative variables where applicable, and plans approaches to take
account of variables that cannot readily be controlled.

2 Achieved?