Effects of Temperature and pH on Catalase Activity

INTRODUCTION

Enzymes are organic catalysts that spur metabolic reactions. The presence of an enzyme within a cell is essential in order for any sort of reaction to take place. All enzymes are complex proteins that act in an organism's closely controlled internal environment. In such a homeostatic environment, the temperature and the pH (concentration of hydrogen ions), remain within a fairly narrow range. Extreme variations in pH and temperature denature the enzyme by altering its chemical structure, thus adversely affecting the chemical reaction. As even the slightest change in the protein's structure will change the enzyme's shape enough to prevent the formation of the enzyme-substrate complex, the reaction will then be unable to take place. The enzyme, catalase, reacts with hydrogen peroxide in order to yield water and oxygen. Therefore, upon reaction, bubbling will occur as oxygen is produced. The amount of bubbling, or......

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Title: Effects Of Temperature On Catalase Activity
Approximate Word Count: 976
Approximate Pages: 4 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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