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8. (a) (i) What term is used for the substance(s) that result(s) from the action of an enzyme on its substrate? (ii) In relation to an enzyme, explain the term optimum activity - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2013
Question 8
8. (a) (i) What term is used for the substance(s) that result(s) from the action of an enzyme on its substrate? (ii) In relation to an enzyme, explain the term opt... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:8. (a) (i) What term is used for the substance(s) that result(s) from the action of an enzyme on its substrate? (ii) In relation to an enzyme, explain the term optimum activity - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 8 - 2013
Step 1
What term is used for the substance(s) that result(s) from the action of an enzyme on its substrate?
Answer
The term used for the substances that result from the action of an enzyme on its substrate is 'products'. These are the molecules that are formed when the enzyme catalyzes a chemical reaction.
Step 2
In relation to an enzyme, explain the term optimum activity.
Answer
Optimum activity refers to the conditions under which an enzyme functions at its maximum efficiency. This includes the ideal temperature and pH at which the enzyme's active site is most effective in facilitating the conversion of substrate into product. In this state, the enzyme's catalytic power is maximized, leading to the highest rate of reaction.
Step 3
Step 4
Describe how you carried out the investigation. In your description outline how you measured the activity of the enzyme.
Answer
In the investigation, I placed the catalase enzyme in a solution of hydrogen peroxide at a temperature of 60°C for 5 minutes to allow denaturation effects to be observed.
To measure the enzyme's activity, I recorded the volume of oxygen gas released during the reaction, which can be done using a gas syringe or by collecting it in an inverted graduated cylinder. I compared this with the control where the enzyme was untreated, while ensuring that temperature and substrate concentration were kept constant.
Step 5
Using suitably labelled axes, draw a graph of the results that you obtained.
Answer
The graph should display the volume of oxygen produced (y-axis) against time (x-axis). The axes should be clearly labelled, with 'Volume of Oxygen (mL)' on the y-axis and 'Time (seconds)' on the x-axis. Each point plotted should represent the oxygen volume at specific time intervals, illustrating the effect of heat denaturation on enzyme activity.