Exercise 4: Enzymes

Effect of pH on Enzyme Activity

Methods:
Three (3) test tubes were labeled #1, #2, and #3. Each test tube were marked off 2
cm and 7cm from the bottom, with the 2 marks being distinguishable from each
other. Three cubes of 1cm3 potato was collected and then macerated using a mortar
& pestle. Test tube #1 was added with distilled water up toe first mark and 1cm 3 of
macerated potato. Test tube #2 was added with HCl up to the first mark and
another 1cm3 of macerated potato was added. Test tube #3 was added with NaOH
up to the first mark and 1 cm 3 of macerated potato was added. After 3 minutes, all
test tubes were added with H2O2 up to the second mark.
Results:
Test Tube
1

Contents
H2O, macerated
potato, H2O2

Results
+++

HCl, macerated
potato, H2O2

NaOH, macerated
potato, H2O2

++

Explanation
Catalase works
best at a pH of 7
or neutral pH
Catalase does not
work/less likely to
work at an acidic
pH
Catalase is less
effective at a basic
pH compared at a
neutral pH but
more effective
than at an acidic
pH

Discussion:
pH is a measure of the acidity or hydrogen ion concentration of a solution. It is
measured on a scale of 0-14 with pH values below 7 being acidic, values above 7
being alkaline and a value of 7 being neutral. Changes are produced in the weak
interactions that maintain the shape of the enzyme molecule resulting in a change
in shape that denatures the enzyme and decreases the enzyme activity.

Catalase is found in a cell organelle called the peroxisome. Its purpose is to destroy
toxic substances which may be introduced into cells. Also, some cells use catalase
to destroy cellular debris or worn out organelles. Hydrogen peroxide is a normal byproduct of cellular metabolism but, it is also toxic to cells. Under normal conditions
organisms produce the enzyme catalase that quickly changes hydrogen peroxide
into two harmless substances, oxygen and water. However, the function of the

enzyme is affected by changes in the environment. Catalase works to break down

hydrogen peroxide by the following chemical reaction:
2 H2O2 ------------------>2 H2O+ O2
The rate of reaction was recorded by the amount of bubbles present in the test tube
after a given amount of time, which was around 7 minutes. Catalase works best at a
neutral pH of 7, exhibited by H2O, which is the optimum pH of the enzyme. Catalase
is less likely/does not produce products when exposed to an environment which is
acidic but would still react at a basic medium.

References:
The Effect of pH on the Activity of Catalase :: Papers. (n.d.). Retrieved December 4,
2015, from http://www.123helpme.com/view.asp?id=147736
The Effect of pH on Catalase - GCSE Science - Marked by Teachers.com. (n.d.).
Retrieved December 4, 2015, from
http://www.markedbyteachers.com/gcse/science/the-effect-of-ph-on-catalase.html