Question

which of the following explains why there was no reaction observed by the experimenter in the test tube containing water and sand?
a. there was an enzyme present in the test tube.
b. there was no substrate present in the test tube.
c. there was an enzyme present, but no substrate.
d. there was substrate present, but no enzyme.

Explanation:

Enzymes are biological catalysts. Cooking denatures (changes the shape of) enzymes. In the "Water and Sand" test tube (which is a control without the enzyme - catalase that is present in liver), there was no reaction because there was no enzyme to catalyze the breakdown of \(H_2O_2\).

Answer:

A. There was an enzyme present in the test tube.
B. There was no substrate present in the test tube.
C. There was an enzyme present, but no substrate.
D. There was substrate present, but no enzyme.

The correct answer is D. There was substrate (\(H_2O_2\)) present, but no enzyme (catalase, which is in liver).