Be an enzyme – a catalyst for change
Pierre Omidyar
Recently the Grade 10 Life Science students have been learning about the importance of enzymes in both all living cells and in industry. In their recent investigation, they looked at the effect of temperature on enzyme activity.
Catalase is an enzyme found in liver tissue, which breaks down hydrogen peroxide ( a harmful waste product from cellular activity) into water and oxygen. The students cut three pieces of beef liver and placed one piece in ice water, one in boiling water, and one in tap water. After a time, the liver was placed into a test tube and hydrogen peroxide was added. The amount of foam produced in each test tube was measured (evidence of the oxygen produced), and students were able to determine at what temperature enzyme activity occurs at an optimum rate.
There is real joy in learning through experience and practical lessons.
