Enzymes Lab Report John Woltz Higgens Sec.

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Introduction Enzymes are a core component of reactions. Enzymes can be employed to hasten, or even delay reactions. Enzymes themselves are simply proteins that affect a reaction as a catalyst. A catalyst is simply a chemical the upon contact induces a chemical reaction. In the experiment we want to observe the catecholase enzyme and its effect on plants. The formula is as follows:

Catecholase is the substance that transforms Catechol into benzoquinone after a plant has broken down in such a way that the Catecholase is exposed to oxygen from the atmosphere. This phenomenon is how many fruits get bruised spots or why apples turn brown after the fruit is exposed.

Methods We will examine the catechol phenomenon using a well blended potato. The blending process of not only splitting the potato, but doing so repeatedly is to allow for the enzyme reaction to take place evenly throughout the whole potato. The reason that for this portion blending in several bursts with waiting periods is to allow different portions of the potato to absorb more oxygen. . Once this sample is prepared the potato is fed into the spectrophotometer at 540 nanometers. It is set to 540 because we want to test for specifically the absorbtion of green wavelengths. This is due to the fact that the potato sample as it starts to brown, will be absorbing green light as the conversion goes on. To test we use four test tubes, one for calibration, and another to test to control for how well green is absorbed other tube contents. Using the

calibration tube before each round, insert the tubes inside, then put them in a 37 C bath. After 5 minutes set the shaker and do it again. The shaker is useful for moving the potatoes and exposing the inner protected parts to more oxygen. When putting components into test tubes, be sure to let catechol sit for ten minutes at room temperature before adding. This allows for the enzyme to get to a similar temperature to the substance.