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Enzymes Lab Report

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Enzymes, which are usually proteins, function as a catalyst in our cells that increase the rate at which reactions are processed by lowering the activation energy, or the energy needed for a reaction to begin (Reece, et al. 87). However, not all enzymes are proteins, but most do play a role in the body with several processes such as digestion and metabolism. While enzymes aid in the performance of reactions within the body to maintain life, they are not consumed by the reactions and work in specific conditions. Temperatures that are too low or too high, or pH levels that are not around neutrality levels of 6-8 can denature the enzyme and cause it not to function anymore. If the active site of an enzyme changes shape because it is denatured, then the specific substrate that only fits into that specific active site will not be able to bind to that region. Many enzymes require a nonprotein molecule called a cofactor to create properly functioning enzymes (Reece, et al. 88). Active sites will not be able to bind to substrates without the presence of this cofactor (“Laboratory Exercises” 86). …show more content…

Oxygen from the atmosphere will oxidize catechol, a colorless compound found in small concentrations beneath the surface of the plant, and produce benzoquinon if the inside of a plant is exposed to the air by means of cutting or bruising. Benzoquinone acts as an antiseptic for the plant and is the reddish-brown in color that appears in a bitten apple for example (“Laboratory Exercises” 84). Without this antiseptic, pathogens would collect and damage the tissue of the plant (“Laboratory Exercises” 84). Another product that is produced from the oxidization of catechol is water. The enzyme reaction can be described as: Catechol+1/2 O_2 →/catecholase benzoquinone+H_2

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