Question

directions: select the correct answers.
choose the two actions that would increase the rate of reaction for the enzyme catalase.

• increasing the concentration of catalase
• increasing the concentration of the substrate, hydrogen peroxide
• increasing the amount of another enzyme, amylase
• increasing the temperature of the reaction within the optimal range for catalase
• increasing the catalase’s exposure to oxygen

Explanation:

1. Increasing the concentration of catalase: More enzyme molecules mean more active sites available to bind substrate (hydrogen peroxide), so the reaction rate increases (as long as substrate is not limiting).
2. Increasing the concentration of the substrate, hydrogen peroxide: More substrate molecules increase the chance of colliding with enzyme active sites, boosting the reaction rate (when enzyme concentration is constant).
3. Increasing the amount of another enzyme, amylase: Amylase acts on starch, not hydrogen peroxide, so it has no effect on catalase’s reaction.
4. Increasing the temperature of the reaction within the optimal range for catalase: Within the optimal temperature range, higher temperature increases molecular kinetic energy, leading to more frequent, effective enzyme - substrate collisions, thus increasing the reaction rate.
5. Increasing the catalase’s exposure to oxygen: Catalase’s reaction (breaking down \(H_2O_2\)) does not depend on oxygen exposure, so this has no effect.

Answer:

• Increasing the concentration of catalase
• Increasing the concentration of the substrate, hydrogen peroxide
• Increasing the temperature of the reaction within the optimal range for catalase