Science Lab Report Catalysts

Shrink width of hallways

Lower the volume of a reaction vessel/reaction mixture

Increase the number of students

Increase the number of particles available for collision

Reduce break time

Increase temperature in reaction mixture = make reaction faster

Break up groups of students

Break up clumps into individual particles = increase surface area

Use a matchmaker

Use a catalyst to lower the energy required to start a reaction

Substrate binding

A substrate (the molecule the enzyme acts upon) binds to the active site of the enzyme

Formation of the enzyme-substrate complex

An enzyme-substrate complex forms, stabilizing molecules, positions them in a way that lowers the activation energy

Catalysis

1. The enzyme facilitates the conversion of the substrate into the product(s). It may do this through:

   1. Straining bonds in a substrate

   2. Bringing reactive groups closer to each other

   3. Transferring electrons or atoms

Product release

The product of the reaction is released because it no longer fits well in the active site. The enzyme itself remains unchanged

1. Step of enzyme reaction

Substrate binding

2. Step of enzyme reaction

Formation of the enzyme-substrate complex

3. Step of enzyme reaction

Catalysis

4. Step of enzyme reaction

Product release