MYP 4: What Is The Effect Of The Concentration Of Catalase

Isabella Alvares

MYP 4

Task due date: 23rd August 2016 Research Question: What is the effect of the concentration of the enzyme Catalase from a potato on the time taken for a paper disc to rise to the top of a hydrogen peroxide substance?

A chemical reaction is a process that involves the reorganization of the molecular arrangement of substances. It is the procedure in which a reactants and/or products undergo to form a new substance or molecule; which is the result of an effective chemical reaction. (1) In a reaction, two or more molecules interact, colliding into each other and breaking the bonds between atoms, consequently, creating new molecules and substances. Only the substances present in the reactants can end up in the products,

It is a common enzyme found in almost all living organisms, mostly in the liver (17) and is most commonly used in the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. (16) A catalyst can be used to speed up the rate of reaction, therefore playing a major role in it. Reactions need a certain amount of energy in order to happen. If they don't have it, the reaction certainly can't happen. (14) A catalyst is a substance that contributes to the reaction, lowering the energy needed for a collision to occur. It does this without undergoing a chemical change itself, and without changing the properties of the reactants. (15) Catalysts weaken the bonds of the molecules, meaning that they provide an alternative reaction pathway to the reaction product, making it simpler for collisions to occur. Hydrogen peroxide is not a very stable compound, so, it is always decomposing to water and oxygen. Even in normal conditions, air can weaken or even break down the bonds in this substance, making the compound unstable. (18) Decomposition happens very slowly; therefore, catalysts are utilized to speed up this process. The reactant in this reaction is hydrogen peroxide; the products are hydrogen and oxygen.

Controlling the volume of hydrogen peroxide solution makes sure that the same amount of hydrogen peroxide particles are available for a reaction to occur in the graduated cylinder.

Same condition (temperature) of the area in which the experiment is taking place

By ensuring that the experiment is performed on an area that isn’t either too hot or too cold. By ensuring that this condition stays the same throughout the whole experiment.

Enzyme and collision activity are affected by temperature. This is because substances behave differently when it is either too hot or too cold. In hot environments, particles gain agility and collide into each other more frequently, whilst in cold environments, the tendency is for the particles to barely move, therefore, barely colliding. This is why it is important to control temperature for all the trials, maintaining it in room temperature. This temperature must remain constant throughout the extent of the experiment.

Size of graduated cylinders

By ensuring that the same type and material of graduated cylinders are used. If possible, use the same cylinder for all trials and all