PINEAPPLE AND

ENZYME LAB
 Background Information:
Ask an expert.
1. Gelatin makes Jello a semi-solid. 1845
2. Gelatin comes from bones and cartilage
from pigs and cows
3. Enzyme Bromelain is in Pineapple
4. Vitamin C is a co-enzyme to Bromelain
5. Bromelain helps relieve pain in arthritis.
6. Bromelain breaks down mucus and helps
those with arthritis and bronchus
Investigative Question:
How do different types of pineapple
affect gelatin?

Hypothesis:
If pineapple is put into gelatin, then
________
LABEL YOUR LAB BOOK!
Enzymes are
Protein catalyst (starter) for
chemical reactions cut
(Catabolism) or add (Anabolism)
substances in cells.
 Anabolism: Catabolism in Jello
• Anabolism: Starch (Carbohydrates) in the gelatin
get thicker as it cools.
• 0 + 0 + 0 = 000

• Catabolism: Bromelain (protein) in pineapple

break the solution apart: (prevent it from getting
thick.
• 000 + Protein Enzyme = 0 + 0 + 0 +
 Materials:

Fresh pineapple 2 pieces 4 Dixie cups

Canned Pineapple 2 pieces Ice Tub
Gelatin (Jell-O ingredient) Ice
Stir sticks
May redo with Apple, Orange or
other thing you bring in. It must
be authorized by the teacher
 Procedure
1. Get 4 Dixie cups and label each with tape
* fresh * canned * no pineapple

2. Put 2 pieces (about the same amount) of

each type of pineapple different Cups.

3. Take the Dixie cup to the gelatin and pour

enough to cover the pineapple
4. Only pour gelatin into Dixie Cup # 4.
 Variables
• Control Group: No pineapple, just gelation
– (Check to see if there is something else making
changes in the gelation)
Manipulative Variables: fresh and frozen
pineapple, other
Responding Variable: What happens to the
gelation
Experimental Controls: Same pineapple, same
temperature, same gelation, same ___ same____
5. Put the cups in a pan of ice with the ice to the
Top level of the gelatin/pineapple.

6. Let the Dixie cups sit in ice for up to 10 minutes

checking the control every 2 minutes by swirling
or stirring the Dixie cups.
7. Record observations on a data table.

8. When finished, pour semi-solid mixtures into

waste beaker - NOT DOWN THE DRAIN!
9. Clean lab thoroughly.
10. Observe other groups work. Record findings
Variables
• Experimental (one tested to) Variable 1:
• Responding (results) Variable:
• Experimental Controls: (same/same)

Data Table 4 min 10 min

Fresh
Canned
Control
Analysis Questions:
1. Describe the differences between Cups.
2. What was it like when you started and at the end?
3. Does the pineapple enzyme Bromelain breakdown
(catabolism) or build (anabolism) proteins?
4. After looking at the data, what is the best explanation
for the results of experiment?
5. How could you increase validity.
6. How could you increase reliability?
 Conclusion
1. Answer to the investigative question.
2. Data to support the answer to the investigative
question.
3. Address any trends you see in the data. (What
happened?)
4. Explain why the trend in data occurred.