Practical: Investigating Enzyme activity

What does amylase catalyse the breakdown of?

Amylase catalyses the breakdown of starch to maltose.

What is the color change in iodine solution when starch is present?

Iodine solution changes from browny-orange to blue-black when starch is present.

At what temperature should the water be heated for the experiment?

The water should be heated to 35°C.

What solution is used to change the pH in the experiment?

A buffer solution is used to change the pH.

How long should the amylase and buffer solutions be allowed to sit before adding starch?

They should sit for 5 minutes.

What is the purpose of using continuous sampling in this experiment?

To record how long it takes for the amylase to break down all of the starch.

What indicates that starch is no longer present in the boiling tube?

The iodine solution remains browny-orange.

What should be done when repeating the experiment with different pH values?

Control any variables, such as concentration and volume of amylase solution, for a fair test.

How can the rate of reaction be calculated in this experiment?

Rate (s^-1) = 1000/time (s).

What is the purpose of a pH meter in this experiment?

To accurately measure the pH of the solution.