GCSE Biology: The effects of Catalase
Catalase is an enzyme which is in the liver and in potato cells. It breaks down Hydrogen Peroxide very quickly because it is poisonous and turns it into oxygen and water. This shows itself as bubbles.
- 13 Test Tubes
- Chinagraph pencil
- Potato
- A knife
- A tile
- A thermometer
- Bunsen Burner
- Mat
- Test Tube Holder
- Goggles
- Bork Borer/Knife
- Glass beaker
| Tube and Contents | Height of oxygen foam |
|---|---|
| Large piece of uncooked potato | 7cm |
| Chopped up potato | 12cm |
| Distilled water | 0cm |
The foam was oxygen bubbles and water. It came from the breaking down of hydrogen peroxide. The tube containing distilled water did not react because distilled water contains no catalase. Cooked potato would not react because the process of cooking denatured the enzyme.