BIO 141: Enzyme Activity, Spectrophotometry, and Metric System Fundamentals

What enzyme was investigated in the lab?

Peroxidase

What reaction does peroxidase catalyze?

The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) into water (H₂O) and oxygen (O₂).

Why did the paper disks float in the enzyme experiment?

Oxygen produced during the reaction gets trapped in the paper disks, causing them to float.

What is the purpose of a micropipette in the lab?

To accurately measure and transfer small volumes of liquid.

What are common errors when using a micropipette?

Improper use of 1st and 2nd stops, hanging beads of liquid on the tip, releasing the plunger too quickly, and not inspecting the tip.

What is the function of a spectrophotometer?

To measure the absorbance and percent transmittance of a solution.

How can spectrophotometry quantify substance concentration?

By measuring absorbance and using a standard curve for extrapolation.

What is the metric system based on?

A decimal system where all subunits are multiples of ten.

What is the root word for length in the metric system?

-meter

What are the three main metric units mentioned?

Meter, gram, and liter.

What is the average rate calculated for the control group in the enzyme experiment?

8.1531 (1/Sec)

What is the significance of the standard deviation in experimental results?

It indicates the variability or dispersion of the data points from the average.

What should be included in the scatter plot of the enzyme experiment data?

Rate on the dependent axis and the average value indicated with a dot and circle.

What is the average rate for the experimental group #2?

17.38 (1/Sec)

What is the purpose of calibrating a micropipette?

To ensure accurate volume measurements.

What is the importance of using metric and scientific notation correctly?

To maintain clarity and precision in scientific measurements and calculations.

What is the average rate for the experimental group #1?

12.90 (1/Sec)

What is the function of an analytical balance?

To accurately measure the mass of samples.

What is the significance of the average rate in enzyme experiments?

It provides a measure of enzyme activity under specific conditions.

What is the role of the instructor in the enzyme inquiry lab?

To provide a spreadsheet for data entry and calculations.

What is a standard curve in spectrophotometry?

A graph that relates absorbance to concentration, used for determining unknown concentrations.