Answer the following in relation to enzymes - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2012
Question 9
Answer the following in relation to enzymes.
(i) What is their chemical nature?
(ii) Comment upon their molecular shape.
Answer the following in relation to an in... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Answer the following in relation to enzymes - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 9 - 2012
Step 1
What is their chemical nature?
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Answer
Enzymes are primarily proteins, which are large biomolecules made up of long chains of amino acids. Their specific sequences determine their unique functions.
Step 2
Comment upon their molecular shape.
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Answer
Enzymes possess a unique three-dimensional structure, which is crucial for their functionality. This folded structure allows them to have a specific active site that interacts with substrates, facilitating chemical reactions.
Step 3
Name the enzyme that you used.
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Answer
The enzyme used in the investigation was protease.
Step 4
Name the substrate of this enzyme.
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The substrate of this enzyme is protein.
Step 5
Why was it necessary to keep the pH constant in the course of the investigation?
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Maintaining a constant pH was essential to eliminate it as a variable that could influence the enzyme's activity, ensuring that any changes in reaction rate could be attributed solely to temperature variations.
Step 6
How did you keep the pH constant?
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The pH was kept constant by using a buffer solution, which stabilizes the pH level throughout the experiment.
Step 7
How did you vary the temperature in the course of the investigation?
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Temperature was varied by using water baths set to different temperatures, allowing for controlled experimentation at specified intervals.
Step 8
How did you know that the enzyme was working?
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The enzyme's activity was monitored by observing visible results, such as a change in color or the appearance of specific reaction products, indicating that the substrate was being broken down.
Step 9
Use the axes below to summarise the results of your investigation.
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Label the axes:
y-axis = Rate of enzyme action
x-axis = Temperature
A graph should show the enzyme reaction rate increasing with temperature to an optimal point, followed by a decline in activity at higher temperatures, indicating denaturation.
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