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Edexcel A Biology A-Level: Core Practical 12

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33 views3 pages

Edexcel A Biology A-Level: Core Practical 12

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ostashkooscar
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Edexcel A Biology A-Level

Core Practical 12
Investigate the effect of temperature on the rate of an
enzyme-catalysed reaction, to include Q​10.

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The rate of reaction of an enzyme-controlled reaction is influenced by different factors:
the temperature, pH, concentration of the substrate, and the concentration of the
enzyme. ​The effect of each of these can be determined by ​changing a single variable
and measuring its effect on the rate of reaction. It is important to ​keep all other
variables constant ​so that they do not influence the results. Initial rate of reaction is
measured because ​rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction is high​, because enzymes
act as ​biological catalysts​, so concentration of reactants changes rapidly. The initial
rate is the only point during the reaction when ​concentration of reactants and
products is known​.

The effect of changing temperature on rate can be quantified up to optimum


temperature via calculating the ​temperature coefficient​ (Q10) for the reaction. This
indicates the ​change in rate of reaction caused by a 10 degree increase in
temperature​, and is calculated via dividing rate of reaction at temperature T + 10
degrees by rate of reaction at temperature T.

Note: there are other ways to measure rate of reaction than the one outlined below. This
method works because the enzyme ​catalase​ breaks down ​hydrogen peroxide into
water and oxygen​ so rate can be calculated by measuring the volume of oxygen gas
produced.

Equipment
● Water bath
● Boiling tube
● Bung
● Soaked peas
● Hydrogen peroxide solution
● Delivery tube
● Gas syringe
● Stop clock
● Mortar and pestle

Method
1. Grind a ​known mass of peas in distilled water​ and place in a boiling tube.
2. Add 5cm of ​hydrogen peroxide solution​ to the peas.
3. Fit the syringe into a delivery tube and the delivery tube into the boiling tube with
a bung.
4. Place the boiling tube into a water bath at a ​known temperature​.

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5. Time for a set length of time e.g. 5 minutes. Measure the ​volume of gas
produced at regular intervals e.g. 30 seconds.
6. Repeat the experiment at different temperatures.

Risk Assessment
Hazard Risk Safety Precaution In emergency Risk
Level
Biohazard Contamination Use disinfectant; Seek assistance Low
wash hands with
soap after handling

Broken Cuts from sharp Take care when Elevate cuts; apply Low
glass object handling glassware; pressure; do not remove
keep away from glass from wound; seek
edge of desk medical assistance

Hot liquids Scalding Handle with care; Run burn under cold Low
use tongs to remove water; seek medical
boiling tubes from assistance
water bath; wear
eye protection, keep
away from edge of
desk
Hydrogen May cause Wear eye Wash off skin Low
peroxide harm/irritation to protection; avoid immediately; flood
eyes or in cuts contact with skin eye/cuts with cold water

Graph
● Plot a graph of ​temperature against ethanol concentration/temperature.

Conclusion
● Rate can be calculated by dividing ​volume of gas​ produced by ​time​.
● Q10 can be calculated by dividing ​rate at T+10 degrees​ by rate at ​T degrees​.
● Q10 for catalase is about 2; ​the rate doubles for every 10 degree increase​.

Note: Q10 can be only be used ​up to optimum temperature​.

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