Biomolecules+Enzyme+Action+Temperature

Aim: To investigate the effect of temperature on enzyme action on biomolecules.

Hypothesis: The starch would be digested in test tube B1 since it is most similar to our body temperature, and since starch can be digested in our body, it will be digested in the 37 degrees Celsius water bath.

Results:
 * Part A ||
 * Test Tube || Colour of iodine solution ||
 * A1 || Brown ||
 * B1 || Brown ||
 * C1 || Blue-Black ||
 * D1 || Blue-Black ||

Interpreting the results (Data Analysis): Starch digestion has occurred in test tube A1 and B1. Iodine solution turns from brown to blue-black when in contact with starch. Test tubes A1 and B1 remained brown meaning that there was no starch present. Since the beginning solution had starch in it, that means that the starch had been digested. Test tube C1 and D1 contained mixtures that have a blue black colour. Tube A1 was put into beaker of ice, B1 was put into a 37 degrees Celsius water bath and C1 was put into a water bath with boiling water. The solutions inside them was the same, meaning that ice cold (0 degrees Celsius) and body temperature (37 degrees Celsius) are suitable temperatures for enzyme action. Boiling temperature (100 degrees Celsius) is too high as enzymes become denatured at high temperatures. Test tube D1 is the control of the experiment. Instead of amylase solution, water was mixed with the starch solution and it was put in a 37 degrees Celsius water bath. Since there were no enzymes, the starch was not digested and the solution turned blue-black.

Q5) Using your knowledge of the structure of starch, describe the test you would use to detect the presence of the substance produced as a result of the reaction in test tube stated in Q1 above? Ans: Take the solutions from A1 and B1 and put a few drops of Benedict's solution. Heat the solution in a test tube gently and observe and colour change. If it turns, yellow, red or orange sugar is present.

Conclusion: Temperature affects enzyme action. The suitable temperatures range from about 0 degrees Celsius to about 37 degrees Celsius. High temperatures denature enzymes and hence the enzymes do not work.