RP1- Investigstion Into The Effect Of Temperature On The Rate Of Reaction Catalysed By Trypsin

Question 1

Describe how the rate of an enzyme-controlled reaction can be measured

Answer 1

• measure time takes for reaction to reach a set point e.g. concentration / volume / mass / colour of substrate or product
  
  • rate of reaction as= 1/time s^-1
• measure one of the above at regular intervals (or using a continuous data logger) throughout reaction
  
  • plot on a graph with time on x axis and whatever is being measured on the y axis
  • draw a tangent at t=0
  • initial rate of reaction = change in y / change in x

Question 2

Suggest a safety risk and explain how to reduce the risk

Answer 2

• handling enzymes may cause an allergic reaction
• avoid contact with skim by wearing gloves and eye protection

Question 3

Explain why using a colorimeter is better

Answer 3

• not subjective
• more accurate

Question 4

Explain why the rate of reaction decreases over time throughout each experiment

Answer 4

• initial rate is highest as substrate concentration not limiting / many enzyme-substrate complexes form
• reaction slows as substrate used up and often stops as there is no substrate left