Decay RP

Question 1

Set up

Answer 1

Half fill a 250cm3 beaker with hot water from the kettle (water bath)
Label two test tubes lipase and milk
Put 5cm3 of lipase in that test tube
Put 5 drops of cresol red (indicator) in the milk
Add 7cm3 sodium carbonate to the milk one

Question 2

Method

Answer 2

Put a thermometer in the milk test tube
Put both in the water bath so they are both the same temp as the water bath
Add 1cm3 of lipase to the milk
Stir the milk one until it turns yellow
Record the time taken in seconds and repeat at different temps

Question 3

Detritivores

Answer 3

They allow large objects to be broken down into much smaller pieces, making it easier for the enzymes to break it down as there is a higher surface area to volume ratio

Question 4

Decomposers

Answer 4

Use secreted enzymes to break down the organic material to release CO2 and mineral ions. This allows them to break down the material when it is smaller to the material which is used to make it

Question 5

How does temperature affect decay?

Answer 5

The enzymes have more energy, they decompose at a higher temperature and it stops

Question 6

How does oxygen affect decay?

Answer 6

Some need it to respire but anaerobic organisms don’t

Question 7

How does water affect decay?

Answer 7

The organisms need water to carry out biological processes so increases the temperature