Enzyme PreLab
Resource: AP Bio Lab: Enzyme Catalysis
Pre-lab: Complete the following parts on a new sheet of paper prior to conducting the laboratory.
Part 1: Title
Do not develop a title until you have completed the pre-lab. Then develop a title for this laboratory that
is in the form of a question.
Part 2: Objectives (write them down)
Before doing this lab you should understand:
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The general functions and activities of enzymes;
The relationship between the structure and function of enzymes;
The concept of initial reaction rates of enzymes;
How the concept of free energy relates to enzyme activity;
That changes in temperature, pH, enzyme concentration, and substrate concentration can affect
the initial reaction rates of enzyme-catalyzed reactions; and
Catalyst, catalysis, and catalase.
After doing this lab you should be able to:
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Measure the effects of changes in temperature, pH, enzyme concentration, and substrate
concentration on reaction rates of an enzyme-catalyzed reaction in a controlled experiment; and
Explain how environmental factors affect the rate of enzyme-catalyzed reactions.
Part 3: Pre-lab Questions (write the questions and the answers)
1) What is a very important role that enzymes have in cells?
2) Explain the participants in an enzyme catalyzed reaction and explain the active site of the
enzyme.
3) The following are factors that affect an enzyme’s action. For each explain how it interferes and
why it has this effect.
a. Salt concentration
b. pH
c. temperature
d. activators/inhibitors
4) Write the equation for the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Briefly describe catalase and
its role in living cells.
5) There are many ways to study the rate of a chemical reaction. How will the rate of the reaction
in this lab be measured?
Part 4: Procedure
Read the procedures carefully. Create a flow chart illustrating and detailing the instructions (remember
the Flow Chart Worksheet).