Catecholace Enzyme Reaction

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Enzymatic Reaction of Catecholase and the Light Absorbtion Rate of Benzoquinone Enzymatic Reaction of Catecholase and the Light Absorbtion Rate of Benzoquinone Lance Weeden M.C. Paupard SCI1124-03CL Principles of Biology I Abstract: We will be studying the chemical reaction that causes potatoes to turn brown. The substrate catechol, its reaction when catalyzed by catecholase, and the amount of light absorption caused by the production of benzoquinone. Using a light spectrophotometer model Spec 20 DT, we can determine the amount of light that is absorbed by the product benzoquinone. After completing two experiments, it was noted that the more catecholase that is introduced to the substrate, the more benzoquinone will be produced, and the more substrate present, the more light absorption the benzoquinone will have. Introduction: Enzymes are large molecules made up of proteins that act as a catalyst2 to specific substrates. They are often referred to as a lock and key, first theorized by German chemist Emil Fischer. Fischer recognized that molecules have different three dimensional structures through his studies on common sugars3. From Fischer’s studies and experiments we now know that specific enzymes only work with specific substrates. For the discoloration of potatoes to occur, three components must be present at the same time, Oxygen, Substrate, and enzyme. If one of these components were not present, then no reaction will occur5. For most reactions, the speed of the reaction is directly related to the amount of enzyme present4. Enzymes and other large molecules have plenty of free energy, allowing the natural breakdown of said molecule. When this free energy is in proximity to a heat source, this reaction speeds up markedly. Enzymes catalyze a reaction by lowering the energy barrier, accelerating the breakdown of its substrate2. However, if too

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