III. Enzyme Characterisation

Question 1

effect of temperature on enzyme activity?

Answer 1

accelerates or slows down reaction rate

Question 2

enzyme activity when at optimal temperature?

Answer 2

enzymes function effectively (37 degrees for human enzymes)

Question 3

enzyme activity when above optimal temperature?

Answer 3

may lead to denaturation, loss of shape and function

Question 4

enzyme activity when below optimal temperature?

Answer 4

slowed activity due to reduced kinetic energy

Question 5

effect of pH on enzyme activity?

Answer 5

affects enzyme structure and activity

Question 6

enzyme activity when at optimal pH?

Answer 6

functions effectively at specific pH levels

Question 7

enzyme activity when outside of optimal pH?

Answer 7

may alter enzyme structure, change shape of active site, and reduce or inhibit activity

Question 8

what does a clear zone mean?

Answer 8

it indicates successful substrate breakdown / hydrolysis by enzymes

Question 9

explain a clear zone in starch agar

Answer 9

amylase successfully broke down starch around the well

Question 10

explain a clear zone in skim milk agar

Answer 10

protease successfully broke down protein around the well

Question 11

step #1 of starch test

Answer 11

1. make the medium (amylum agar), dissolve starch in agar and put in petri dish

Question 12

step #2 of starch test

Answer 12

2. insert amylase into a well in the middle of the agar and incubate

Question 13

step #3 of starch test

Answer 13

3. pour lugol, which will react with the starch in the medium