NAME
PERIOD
DATE
CATALASE LAB
Introduction
In this investigation, you will study several factors that affect the activity of enzymes.
The enzyme to be used is catalase (also called peroxidase), present in most cells and found in
high concentrations in liver and blood cells. You will use liver homogenate as the source of
catalase. Catalase promotes the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, H2O2 in the following
reaction.
2H2O2 ◊ 2H2O + O2
Hydrogen peroxide is formed as a by-product of chemical reactions in cells. It is toxic and
would soon kill cells if not immediately removed or broken down.
Materials
10 mL graduated cylinder
100 mL graduated cylinder
reaction chamber (dropper bottle with cut off dropper)
pan of water (enough to cover 100 mL graduated cylinder when lying on side)
hydrogen peroxide
catalase solution
timer
