Biofuel Enzyme Lab Questions Flashcards
What type of molecule is an enzyme?
Typically proteins though some nucleic acids have been also been found to be enzymes
Why is an enzyme’s shape important to its function?
It compliments the structure of its substrate which is the molecule that the enzyme converts into product
How does an enzyme speed up chemical reactions?
By positioning the substrates, adjusting their bonds so they become unstable and reactive
What is the name of enzyme involved in this laboratory experiment?
Cellobiase
What is one practical, industrial application of this enzyme?
It helps break down cellulose from plants into sugar which assists in the creation of ethanol for fuel
What is the natural product of this enzyme?
Two glucose molecules
What is the natural substrate of this enzyme?
Cellobiose
How will you be able to determine the amount of product that is produced at each time period?
When the artifical substrate reaction turns yellow once the base is added, you can tell how much product is produced. The deeper the color, the higher the amount of product is made. You can:
- Compare the yellowness of enzyme reaction samples to a set of known standards
- Use a spectrophotometer
How can you measure the rate of product formation?
By adding enzyme to the artificial substrate p-nitrophenyl glucopyranoside and calculating how much p-nitrophenyl is produced over time
