Standard 1b Preknowledge
1b) Students know enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions without altering the reaction equilibrium and the activities of enzymes depend on the temperature, ionic conditions, and the pH of the surrounding..
CALIFORNIA FRAMEWORKS SUMMARY:
Almost all enzymes are protein catalysts made by living organisms. Enzymes speed up favorable (spontaneous) reactions by reducing the activation energy required for the reaction, but they are not consumed in the reactions they promote. To demonstrate the action of enzymes on a substrate, the teacher can use liver homogenate or yeast as a source of the enzyme catalase and hydrogen peroxide as the substrate. The effect of various environmental factors, such as pH, temperature, and substrate concentration, on the rate of reaction can be investigated. These investigations should encourage student observation, recording of qualitative and quantitative data, and graphing and interpretation of data.