Enzyme Activity Level Lab Report

Objective:

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the changes in activity level (if any) when enzymes are exposed to a variety of environments (in this case, temperature).

Introduction:

Enzymes are made up of a series of proteins known as amino acids. Enzymes are essential in almost all aspects of life. There are certain ways to identify an enzyme by the name for each, for example they usually end with the suffix -ase. For instance, amylase (present in saliva), lipase, or protease. Enzymes were first discovered in the mid-19th century by a chemist

Louis Pasteur. Louis realized that the enzymes were responsible for converting grapes into wine during the fermentation process. It is because of this that they were originally known as

“Ferments” (Enzymes. 2011). They function in

In order for an enzyme to carry out these functions it must work in conjunction with molecules such as substrates that are specific for each type of protein, and

Pilar Feldbush General Cell Biology February 12, 2015

Lab Section K

Lab 5: Enzymes coenzymes which aid in transporting the substrate to the protein’s “active site” (a hole or groove designed to fit only a specific type of substrate). Once attached, the protein can now move on to its destination, whether it be to the bloodstream, digestive system, or any other organ within the body. The ability for the substrate to attach to the enzyme is what allows the enzyme to hold and maintain it’s shape, which in turn directly impacts it’s function. The shape of an enzyme can be altered through the process of denaturation (the unraveling of the protein). Denaturing occurs when an enzyme is exposed to higher temperatures of heat and causing it to break the weak bonds that hold the molecule together. Enzymes must be able to remain is a stable environment to ensure they are able to perform functions not only