The purpose of this experiment was to analyze the effects of the variables: temperature, pH, and enzyme concentration, on the enzymatic reaction rate of catalase and the level at which its products are released, measuring the rate of absorption using the indicator solution guaiacol and a spectrophotometer to develop a hypothesis of the ideal conditions for these reactions. My hypothesis is that the extremes in concentration, temperature and pH will negatively affect the Au rate. This experiment used 11 solutions contained in cuvettes. Each cuvette, once mixed, is placed in spectrophotometer and then a reading taken every 20 seconds. Cuvettes 1, 8, and 10 are used as blanks to zero out the spectrophotometer. They all lack the enzyme to help determine the absorption of just the enzyme. …show more content…
Cuvette 8 contains hydrochloric acid solution and is used as the zero for cuvette 9. Cuvette 10 contains Sodium hydroxide solution and acts as the zero for cuvette 11.Cuvette 2 is used as the control in each variable test. Cuvettes 2, 3, and 4 tested the variable of enzyme concentration. They were all kept at 23 degrees Celsius and a pH of 7. Cuvette 2 contained 1 mL of catalase, resulting in an absorption rate of .001 Au. Cuvette 3 contained 2 mL of catalase .producing an Au rate of .0012. Cuvette 4 held 4 mL pf catalase and had an Au rate of .0023. The visible pattern is that as the amounts of enzymes increase the absorption rate will also increase. Cuvettes 5, 6, and 7 test the variable of temperature. Cuvette 5 was put into a freezer at 0 degrees Celsius. The resulting Au rate was .0004. Cuvette 6 was placed in a bath of warm water at 35 degrees Celsius, reaching an Au rate of .001. Cuvette 7 had am Au rate of .00001, and was kept at 85 degrees Celsius. The suggested pattern is that the extremes reduce the Au