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Lab Report On Peroxidase

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Lab: Enzyme Activity Under Various Environmental Conditions

Introduction:
The name of the enzyme used in this lab is called peroxidase. “In plants the enzyme is called peroxidase. A related enzyme named catalase performs the same function in animals” (Pearce, 2017). These enzymes breakdown hydrogen peroxide (which is a by – product of metabolism).
In this lab “the behaviour and activity of these enzymes” will “be measured by adding enzyme extract to hydrogen peroxide and then monitoring the rate of gaseous oxygen produced” (Pearce, 2017). The disk indicates action because time is recorded for how long it takes to float, meaning that gas is being produced that pushes the disk upwards. Therefore, the average rate of gaseous oxygen produced can be measured.

Enzymes have a quaternary structure as they are globular proteins and have a 3D shape. The primary structure is made up of amino acids joined by peptide bonds. The secondary structure is made up of an alpha helix/beta helix pleated sheet as a result of hydrogen bonding in the backbone. The tertiary structure is made up of 3D polypeptides due to bonding of the “R” group and the Quaternary structure is made up of 2/more polypeptides joined together (globular proteins). “The 3D shape allows the enzyme to have an active site – this is where the substrate (what is being acted on) binds to the enzyme” (Pearce, 2017). Hydrogen peroxide (in this case the substrate) binds to the activation site on the peroxidase (enzyme). When

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