Question

What could be a possible source of error when conducting an enzyme lab when altering the pH level?

Answer 1

At the pH level of 7, the rate of reaction will be the fastest. When pH level is higher or lower than 7, the enzyme’s rate of reaction would decrease.

pH affects the action of catalase by lowering or raising the initial rate, so that the enzyme either becomes less efficient or more efficient. pH affects enzymes by altering the state of ionization on the amino acids on the active sites of the enzymes. If the state of ionization is changed, this affects the overall 3D structure of the enzyme, and decreased binding to substrate may occur. At extreme pH values, the protein may be so affected that it ceases to be functional because it can no longer recognize the substrate.