Question

PART A- Observe Normal Catalase Reaction To determine the volume of oxygen released in ml) during the degradation of H202 by catalase, you will first do trials using the set-up in Fig. 1. 1. Place 10 ml of the 3% hydrogen peroxide solution into a clean bottle 2. Add quickly catalase containing solution. 3. What gas is being released? 4. Throughout this investigation you will estimate the rate of the reaction (by measuring the volume of water displaced by O2 release) Part B - What Tissues Contain Catalase You will now test for the presence of catalase in tissues other than liver. Place 2 ml of hydrogen peroxide in each of 3 clean test tubes and then add each of the three test substances to the tubes. To the first tube, add a small piece of potato. To the second tube, add a small piece of chicken liver. To the last tube, add a small piece of turnip. Which tissues contained catalase? Do some contain more catalase than others? How can you tell? PART C - Measuring the rate of enzyme activity under various conditions This part has to be done on your own and at the end of your experiments you will have to write a labreport. You have to choose the parameter you want to study. You can for example choose to vary the temperature of the reaction or substrate concentration, etc. Once you know the parameter you want to study you will have to design your own protocol and do your own experiments the day of the lab.

Answer 1

Nascent oxygen is produced.

Almost all tissues contain catalases. Catalases are used to maintain the homeostasis. Extensively found in the liver and kidney and low in connective tissue and it protects the body from degradation by the peroxide, which is produced during various metabolic reactions. Liver catalases primarily localized in peroxisomes

Without catalase toxic substances can even cause mutations in the DNA. Thus it protects our body from free radical, thus preventing the oxidative damage by the cells of the body. There are a lot of catalases in vegetables like potato, carrots, turnips etc...

The relative activity of the enzyme is determined by the height of column of bubbles of oxygen produced during the reaction, which mostly found more with the liver.

* catalase activity in blood particularly due to erythrocytes.