Enzymes 40 Experiment 1: Enzyme Function The rate of enzyme efficiency can be affected by a number of factors. In this lab, you will experimentally alter the availability of reactants, pH, and temperature. Enzyme efficiency relative to availability of reactants You will examine the effect of the availability of substrates, by comparing the relative change in brownness by comparing two apples with different surface areas: one sliced and one grated. 2. Finish this hypothesis about the rate of enzyme-mediated synthesis of benzoquinone and the surface area of exposed fruit Fruit tissue with higher exposed surface area will… How does increasing surface area affect the availability of substrates? Which substrate is limiting? Enzyme efficiency relative to phH Enzymes are pH specific, meaning they work most efficiently with an optimal range of pH values. Above or below an enzyme’s optimal range can cause the enzyme to denature (altering their 3-D structure), and therefore lose their functionality. You will compare the relative change in brownness by comparing two apple slices immersed in two different pH solutions: neutral (H,0) and acidic (lemon juice). 3. Finish this hypothesis about the rate of enzyme-mediated synthesis of benzoquinone and pH. Fruit tissue in an acidic solution will… What logic did you use in generating your hypothesis? Enzyme efficiency relative to temperature Enzymes also have a specific optimal range of temperatures. Similar to pH, temperatures above or below an enzyme’s optimal range will cause the protein to denature, impeding their functionality. 4. Finish these hypotheses about the rate of enzyme-mediated synthesis of benzoquinone and temperature (relative to room temperature) Fruit tissue exposed to warm temperature will… Fruit tissue exposed to cold temperature wll. www.thebiologyprimer.com