Question

catalase is an enzyme normally found in plant and animal tissues. the biological purpose of catalase is to destroy toxic substances that may be introduced into cells. in lab, students used potato cores as a catalase source and investigated the effects of different environmental conditions on the action of this enzyme. catalase catalyzes the following reaction: 2 h₂o₂ → 2 h₂o + o₂ the development of oxygen gas (product) can be observed by the foam produced in a test tube. to study the effects of environmental conditions on the enzyme, catalase, students placed potato cubes into test tubes containing different solutions, added 3 ml of h₂o₂ and measured the height of the foam (indicating o₂ gas produced) over 5 minutes. what conclusion can be drawn? a catalase only works at a neutral ph and is broken down by strong acids. b catalase has an optimal ph range of 5 - 9 and is broken down by solutions outside of this range. c catalase has an optimal ph range of 5 - 9 and is denatured by both strong acids and strong bases. d catalase functions optimally at a ph of 7 and does not function when the ph is more acidic or

Explanation:

• Analyze the data: Look at the amount of bubbling (indicator of enzyme activity) at different pH values.
• At pH 7 (neutral - water), there is bubbling (4 cm). At pH values outside the 5 - 9 range (e.g., vinegar pH 2, ammonia pH 11, orange juice pH 3), there is no or very little bubbling. At pH values within 5 - 9 (milk pH 6.5, coffee pH 5, baking soda solution pH 9), there is bubbling.
• Enzyme activity (measured by bubbling) is higher within the 5 - 9 pH range compared to outside this range.

Answer:

B. Catalase has an optimal pH range of 5 - 9 and is broken down by solutions outside of this range.