Name____________________________________________
Enzyme Simulation Activity
Date_______________________________
This assignment will be assessed for exploration and / or analysis (relevant aspects only).
1. Explore the simulation (http://www.kscience.co.uk/animations/model.swf) to become familiar
with the variables and their limits, including:
 Enzyme concentration
 Starting substrate concentration
 Inhibitor concentration
 Temperature
 Container volume (which affects concentrations of all dissolved particles)
 pH
2. Develop a focused research question and identify your variables. This means:
 Choosing an independent variable (X), and what manipulations (or levels) of that variable you
will test.
 Choosing a quantitative method (Z) for measuring your dependent variable, rate of reaction
(Y), from the data that is produced by the simulation.
 Identifying the levels that will be constant throughout your trials (controlled variables – A, B…)
 Writing your research question in the form “How does X affect rate of reaction as measured by
Z under conditions A, B, C…”
3. Design a simple procedure including:
 Specific, quantitative levels of your independent variable (choose enough – 5 is minimal for a
real investigation)
 Number of trials per level of your independent variable
 Details of your quantitative method of measuring the rate of reaction
4. Design a data table, run your experiment, and record your quantitative data. Also record
qualitative data (though this should be brief).
5. Analyze your data to help answer your research question. This should include:
 Statistics if and where appropriate
 Sample calculations.
 How you convert raw data into “rate of reaction”.
6. Present your data in a visual format (graph) that answers your research question.
7. Write a brief (5-7 sentence) conclusion that:
 answers the research question
 refers to specific quantitative results
 explains how the results agree and/or disagree with relevant theory.
Your final report should be concise – no more than 3 single-sided pages.