The Effect of low pH on Enzyme Activity - Lab Report Example

They are responsible for all the important reactions taking place in the body of animals and plants. They regulate the very complex systems. The kinetics of reaction is so much influenced by the pH of the system as pH can change the mode of binding for substrate to the enzyme. If the reaction is occurring through ionic mechanism, then pH is obviously a deciding factor for the rate of the reaction. (Park, 2000) Catalase is present in aerobic organism where an organism needs to breakdown molecules of oxygen environment.

Catalase is also one of the enzymes that have maximum efficient, that is, it can break down million of molecules in seconds (McDowall, 2014). Hydrogen peroxide is so much oxidative that it can cause rusting. Catalyse is responsible for its breakdown. The reaction of catalase with hydrogen peroxide occurs as Hydrogen Peroxide+Catalase →Water and Oxygen (Matt,2012). Cut potatoes into small cubes. Blend the potatoes with one cup of water into mixer until a thick solution of potatoes is obtained.

Filtered the solution to have homogenous liquid. For this purpose, 20 mL of it was filtered by using filter paper and funnel. Took round filter paper and made several holes in it with the use of sharp needle. In another 100 mL took 10 mL of hydrogen peroxide and diluted it with the help of 10 mL of water. Soaked the round filter paper with holes in filtered potato solution for 15 seconds. Placed the same filter paper in hydrogen peroxide and noted the time until the reaction completes. Repeat the experiment twice to get accuracy.

A few drops of hydrochloric acid were mixed in the beaker that was containing 50% solution of hydrogen peroxide. Took another piece of porous filter paper and repeated the same procedure. Catalase is a basic catalyst. I was expecting the same results because a basic catalyst can work better in basic conditions as compared to the acidic conditions. The addition of acid lowers the pH of the