8. (a) Answer the following in relation to enzymes - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2017
Question 8
8.
(a) Answer the following in relation to enzymes.
(i) Give a factor, other than pH, which affects enzyme activity.
(ii) Explain the term optimum activity.
(b) ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:8. (a) Answer the following in relation to enzymes - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2017
Step 1
Give a factor, other than pH, which affects enzyme activity.
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Answer
One factor that affects enzyme activity is temperature. Different temperatures can enhance or inhibit enzyme action.
Step 2
Explain the term optimum activity.
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Answer
Optimum activity refers to the specific conditions, such as temperature and pH, where an enzyme operates at its maximum efficiency, yielding the highest rate of reaction.
Step 3
Name the enzyme that you used in this investigation.
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Answer
The enzyme used in this investigation is catalase.
Step 4
State:
1. The source of this enzyme.
2. The substrate of this enzyme.
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Answer
The source of this enzyme is celery.
The substrate of this enzyme is hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).
Step 5
Explain why changing the pH would have an effect on enzyme activity.
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Changing the pH alters the shape of the enzyme's active site, which can lead to denaturation. This means the enzyme may not bind effectively with its substrate, thereby reducing the rate of reaction.
Step 6
How did you measure the rate of enzyme activity?
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To measure the rate of enzyme activity, I observed the volume of foam produced per minute when catalase decomposed hydrogen peroxide.
Step 7
Label the axes and sketch a graph to show the effect of pH on enzyme activity.
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Answer
For the graph:
The Y-axis represents enzyme activity (rate of reaction).
The X-axis represents pH levels.
The plot should show an upward curve to a peak at the optimum pH, then a sharp decline as pH moves away from optimum.
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