1. What is the function of an enzyme?

First, the basic function of an enzyme is to increase the rate of a reaction. Most cellular reactions occur about a million times faster than they would in the absence of an enzyme. Second, most enzymes act specifically with only one reactant (called a substrate) to produce products.

2. What is the function of catalase in living cells?

Catalase is a common enzyme found in nearly all living organisms exposed to oxygen (such as bacteria, plants, and animals). It catalyzes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen. It is a very important enzyme in protecting the cell from oxidative damage by reactive oxygen species (ROS).

3. What is the substrate that catalase reacts with?

In our case, the enzyme is catalase, the substrate is hydrogen peroxide, and the newly formed compounds are oxygen gas and water.

4. Write a hypothesis that addresses enzyme concentration and reaction rate.

If the pH of the peroxidase in the solution increases, then it will do so at an exponential rate, like one of the first half of a concave down bell curve, and will peak around the pH range of 5-7.

5. Explain how temperature affects enzyme activity? What is meant by optimum temperature?

Like most chemical reactions, the rate of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction increases as the temperature is raised. A ten degree Centigrade rise in temperature will increase the activity of most enzymes by 50 to 100%. Some enzymes lose their activity when frozen.

6. Explain how pH affects enzyme activity?

Enzymes are affected by changes in pH. The most favorable pH value - the point where the enzyme is most active - is known as the optimum pH. Extremely high or low pH values generally result in complete loss of activity for most enzymes.