PINEAPPLE AND
ENZYME LAB
Background Information:
Ask an expert.
1. Gelatin makes Jello a semi-solid. 1845
2. Gelatin comes from bones and cartilage
from pigs and cows
3. Enzyme Bromelain is in Pineapple
4. Vitamin C is a co-enzyme to Bromelain
5. Bromelain helps relieve pain in arthritis.
6. Bromelain breaks down mucus and helps
those with arthritis and bronchus
Investigative Question:
How do different types of pineapple
affect gelatin?
Hypothesis:
If pineapple is put into gelatin, then
________
LABEL YOUR LAB BOOK!
Enzymes are
Protein catalyst (starter) for
chemical reactions cut
(Catabolism) or add (Anabolism)
substances in cells.
Anabolism: Catabolism in Jello
• Anabolism: Starch (Carbohydrates) in the
gelatin get thicker as it cools.
• 0 + 0 + 0 = 000
• Catabolism: Bromelain (protein) in pineapple
break the solution apart: (prevent it from
getting thick.
• 000 + Protein Enzyme = 0 + 0 + 0 +
Materials:
Fresh pineapple 2 pieces
4 Dixie cups
Canned Pineapple 2 pieces
Ice Tub
Gelatin (Jell-O ingredient)
Ice
Stir sticks
May redo with Apple, Orange or
other thing you bring in. It must
be authorized by the teacher
Procedure
1. Get 4 Dixie cups and label each with tape
* fresh * canned * no pineapple
2. Put 2 pieces (about the same amount) of
each type of pineapple different Cups.
3. Take the Dixie cup to the gelatin and pour
enough to cover the pineapple
4. Only pour gelatin into Dixie Cup # 4.
Variables
• Control Group: No pineapple, just gelation
– (Check to see if there is something else making
changes in the gelation)
Manipulative Variables: fresh and frozen
pineapple, other
Responding Variable: What happens to the
gelation
Experimental Controls: Same pineapple,
same temperature, same gelation, same ___
same____
5. Put the cups in a pan of ice with the ice to the
Top level of the gelatin/pineapple.
6. Let the Dixie cups sit in ice for up to 10 minutes
checking the control every 2 minutes by swirling
or stirring the Dixie cups.
7. Record observations on a data table.
8. When finished, pour semi-solid mixtures into
waste beaker - NOT DOWN THE DRAIN!
9. Clean lab thoroughly.
10. Observe other groups work. Record findings
Variables
• Experimental (one tested to) Variable 1:
• Responding (results) Variable:
• Experimental Controls: (same/same)
Data Table
Fresh
Canned
Control
4 min
10 min
Analysis Questions:
1. Describe the differences between Cups.
2. What was it like when you started and at the end?
3. Does the pineapple enzyme Bromelain breakdown
(catabolism) or build (anabolism) proteins?
4. After looking at the data, what is the best explanation
for the results of experiment?
5. How could you increase validity.
6. How could you increase reliability?
Conclusion
1. Answer to the investigative question.
2. Data to support the answer to the investigative
question.
3. Address any trends you see in the data. (What
happened?)
4. Explain why the trend in data occurred.