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I. TEACHER NOTES & GUIDELINES

TITLE OF LAB: An Enzyme Catalyzed Reaction

DEVELOPERS OF LAB: Diane McCarron JD729,Sandy Black JD706, Joyce Valenti, Michael J. Dupre, Judith Hassler JD 815, Thomas Kelly JD 528, Janice B. Martin JD 561, Roger Strout JD 812, SOTM Staff.

OVERVIEW OF LAB

DESCRIPTION:
In this laboratory, we will observe the effect of an enzyme, catalase, on cellular hydrogen peroxide. A temperature probe attached to a laptop computer will be used to record changes in temperature. Students will then be asked to pose a question of their own about the nature of enzymes, and will create or design their own laboratory experiment to test possible answers to their question.

The lab can be broken into two parts; the pre-lab can be completed in one forty-minute period. Optimally, the inquiry lab should take two forty-minute periods for students to be able to work on writing the procedures before they start the actual lab.

CURRICULUM CONSIDERATIONS:
For General, Regents, and AP Biology classes use during the biochemistry or digestive system units. The pre-lab, inquiry lab, and post- lab activities can be used to introduce enzyme concepts to your class.

REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS:
There are now detergents containing lipases and proteases for such compounds as chlorophyll and blood.

There are laboratories hard at work genetically engineering bacteria that will produce enzymes to digest crude oil for use in ocean oil spills.

The dairy industry has developed products that contain the enzyme lactase for people who suffer from lactose intolerance.

Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used as a disinfectant. On keratinized epithelial tissue, there is no reaction, but when hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with the catalase of the living cell, the reaction proceeds.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS:
The laptop computer should be placed far away from the end of the desk where materials are being poured. Liquid could splatter or spill and damage the laptop computers.

Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer and could bleach clothing. Protect clothing by wearing a lab apron.

Wear safety goggles.

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