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9. (a) (i) To which group of biomolecules do enzymes belong? _________________________________________ (ii) Name a factor that influences the activity of an enzyme - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2009
Question 9
9. (a) (i) To which group of biomolecules do enzymes belong? _________________________________________ (ii) Name a factor that influences the activity of an... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:9. (a) (i) To which group of biomolecules do enzymes belong? _________________________________________ (ii) Name a factor that influences the activity of an enzyme - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2009
Step 1
Step 2
Name a factor that influences the activity of an enzyme.
Answer
One significant factor that influences the activity of an enzyme is temperature. Enzymes have an optimal temperature range in which they function effectively; deviations from this range can lead to decreased activity or denaturation.
Step 3
Describe how you carried out the immobilisation.
Answer
To carry out the immobilisation, I first prepared a mixture of the enzyme (e.g., yeast) with alginate. This mixture was then added to a calcium chloride (CaCl₂) solution, allowing the beads to form as the alginate hardened. This process effectively immobilises the enzyme within the alginate matrix.
Step 4
In the space provided draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus that you used to investigate the activity of the immobilised enzyme.
Answer
In the diagram, I have illustrated a typical setup which includes the following labels:
- Immobilised enzyme beads
- Substrate solution
- Reaction vessel
- Measuring equipment for product analysis (like a cuvette for spectrophotometry)
- Control setup (if used)
Step 5
Briefly outline how you used the apparatus referred to in (b)(ii) above.
Answer
I used the apparatus by first adding the substrate to the immobilised enzyme beads in the reaction vessel. I then monitored the reaction by measuring the formation of the reaction product at set intervals. Using a spectrophotometer, I analyzed the samples for product concentration, ensuring to include controls to validate the results.