Required Practical 1

Question 1

What are the factors that affect enzyme activity (5)?

Answer 1

1. Temperature
2. pH levels
3. Enzyme concentration
4. Substrate concentration
5. Inhibitors

Question 2

How is a control set up in a practical measuring enzyme activity?

Answer 2

Replace the enzyme solution with distilled water or boiled enzyme solution

Question 3

How is the rate of reaction calculated from time?

Answer 3

Rate of reaction = 1/time

Question 4

What is the effect of temperature on enzyme activity?

Answer 4

As temperature increases, kinetic energy increases so more enzyme substrate complexes form. The rate of reaction increases up to the optimum temperature.

Beyond optimum, bonds in the enzyme’s tertiary structure break, which changes the shape of the active site. The substrate and enzyme are no longer complementary, so rate of reaction decreases

Question 5

What is the risk and risk level associated with handling enzymes?

Answer 5

Whilst handling enzymes, students may have allergic reactions, so it’s best to avoid contact with skin and eyes by wearing eye protection. However this risk is low level