How does temperature affect the activity of enzymes?
Enzymes, like all proteins, have specific three-dimensional shapes. The molecules are held in these shapeswhich are critical to the enzymes proper functioningby hydrogen bonds and other fairly weak bonds. Extreme heat can break the bonds and thereby change the enzymes shape. When a proteins shape is changed, it is said to be denatured. For this exercise, you will be provided water baths (or hot plates) at various temperatures. MATERIALS: 6 spectrophotometer tubes & rack; 40C, 60C and 80C water baths or hot plates; thermometer; 1 % catechol stock solution; catecholase stock solution; 3 400-ml beakers; test tube clamps PROCEDURAL STEPS: 1. Design an experiment to test the effect of temperature on catecholase. Remember to bring the substrate to the desired temperature before you add catecholase. 2. Record your hypothesis and methods (approved by your instructor) in item E of your worksheet prior to your tests. 3. Once started, your tests should run approximately 15 minutes each. Agitate t
