The Effect Of Temperature On The Activity Of A Potato Lab

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Catalase Enzyme Lab: Research Question: What is the impact of the temperature (of a potato) on the rate of reaction (measured by the amount of O2 bubbles formed)? Background Information: Enzymes are proteins that aid certain chemical processes that take place. When a chemical reaction takes place, a certain amount of energy is need for it to occur. When an enzyme is present, the amount of energy needed for a chemical process to occur is reduced. This happens because enzymes lower the activation energy, as they provide an alternative reaction pathway. The decrease in the energy level aids in making the process happen faster (Jae In Lee, 2011) A catalase is an enzyme, which is found in all living organisms. This enzyme helps to convert hydrogen peroxide into oxygen and water. Chemical actions that happen within the cell produces hydrogen peroxide, which is poisonous and therefore can kill the organism. As a result the presence of the enzyme catalase in the cell helps to quickly convert this toxic substrate into safer products of water and oxygen (All Science Fair Projects, 2004). Hypothesis: According to the Collision Theory, in order for a reaction to occur, particles need to collide with a sufficient amount of energy and with the correct orientation. The temperature of the particles can affect the rate at which the particles collide. As you increase the temperature, the rate of reaction increases. This occurs because as you heat a substance, the particles move faster and

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