Enzymes and Metabolic Rates
Introduction Enzymes are catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed or changed themselves. Each enzyme has a substrate that will match perfectly, almost as if it is a lock and key fit. If the substrate does not fit the enzyme only partial to no function will occur. Each enzyme is formed of polypeptide chains that wind and bend to form complex grooves and valleys. These grooves are the active sites. The active site is where the substrate will fit perfectly. Certain things can change or denature, or breakdown, an enzyme. Some of these factors include variations of pH levels, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors. These factors can be detrimental to an enzyme and cause it to become denatured. …show more content…
The neutral pH and room temperature tubes produced the most foam. This is because the enzyme is most reactive at these points. pH 7 is like water being added to the solution, the other pH levels are too acidic or too basic for the enzyme. Room temperature involves the enzyme in its natural state. When the pH level is too acidic/basic or when the temperature is too cold/hot the enzyme begins to denature, or breakdown. This causes the reaction to be slowed down or even stopped completely.
Discussion
In conclusion, the pH and temperature that most closely mocked the enzyme in its natural state were the most reactive. This is because the enzyme is not denatured and acts as it should. The hypothesis; if the pH and/or temperature are altered then the enzyme will become denatured, but if the temperature and/pH remain at normal levels (i.e. room temperature, or pH level 7) the enzyme will remain intact and function properly; was proven through this experiment. This result was expected because it is the “neutral” aspects of the experiment. If this experiment were done again all aspects would remain the same. This experiment was successful in proving the hypothesis
Introduction Enzymes are catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed or changed themselves. Each enzyme has a substrate that will match perfectly, almost as if it is a lock and key fit. If the substrate does not fit the enzyme only partial to no function will occur. Each enzyme is formed of polypeptide chains that wind and bend to form complex grooves and valleys. These grooves are the active sites. The active site is where the substrate will fit perfectly. Certain things can change or denature, or breakdown, an enzyme. Some of these factors include variations of pH levels, temperature, and the presence of inhibitors. These factors can be detrimental to an enzyme and cause it to become denatured. …show more content…
The neutral pH and room temperature tubes produced the most foam. This is because the enzyme is most reactive at these points. pH 7 is like water being added to the solution, the other pH levels are too acidic or too basic for the enzyme. Room temperature involves the enzyme in its natural state. When the pH level is too acidic/basic or when the temperature is too cold/hot the enzyme begins to denature, or breakdown. This causes the reaction to be slowed down or even stopped completely.
Discussion
In conclusion, the pH and temperature that most closely mocked the enzyme in its natural state were the most reactive. This is because the enzyme is not denatured and acts as it should. The hypothesis; if the pH and/or temperature are altered then the enzyme will become denatured, but if the temperature and/pH remain at normal levels (i.e. room temperature, or pH level 7) the enzyme will remain intact and function properly; was proven through this experiment. This result was expected because it is the “neutral” aspects of the experiment. If this experiment were done again all aspects would remain the same. This experiment was successful in proving the hypothesis