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. the students decide to test the rate of the reaction at different temperatures. what do you predict will happen if the test tube of potato with water and h2o2 is placed on ice? a ice will slow the breakdown of catalase. b ice will increase the activity of the catalase. c ice will slow the catalase molecules increasing the probability of contact with the h2o2 molecules. d ice will slow the catalase molecules decreasing the probability of contact with the h2o2 molecules. catalase has an optimal ph range of 5 - 9 and is denatured by both strong acids and strong bases. catalase functions optimally at a ph of 7 and does not function when the ph is more acidic or basic. catalase is broken down by solutions outside of this range.

Explanation:

Enzymes like catalase are proteins whose activity is affected by temperature. Lower temperatures (like ice) slow down molecular motion. This reduces the frequency of collisions between the enzyme (catalase) and its substrate (\(H_2O_2\)). Fewer collisions mean a slower reaction rate.

Answer:

A. Ice will slow the breakdown of catalase.