Enzymes Questions Flashcards
(10 cards)
What might you be asked to plan in this practical?
An enzyme investigation using different pH values to test enzyme activity.
What is the independent variable in this enzyme practical?
The pH of the solution.
What is the dependent variable in this enzyme practical?
The rate of reaction of the amylase enzyme.
What are some control variables in this experiment?
Temperature, concentration of enzyme and substrate, and volume of solutions.
What happens to enzymes at pH values that are too high or too low?
The enzyme denatures and the active site changes shape so the substrate no longer fits.
Why is a water bath used in the enzyme practical?
To maintain a constant temperature, which affects enzyme activity.
Why are enzyme and starch solutions placed in the water bath separately for 5 minutes before mixing?
To ensure both reach the same temperature, which improves accuracy.
What temperature is often used for human enzymes in this experiment?
40°C, as it is near the optimum temperature for human enzymes.
Why can’t we determine the exact optimum pH if we only test whole numbers?
The real optimum might lie between values like pH 7 and pH 8 (e.g., pH 7.6), so smaller intervals are needed.
What is a source of error in this enzyme experiment?
Subjective judgment of the colour change (human error).
