An investigation into the effect of substrate concentration on the activity of the enzyme catalase in potato tissue.

Enzymes are globular protein molecules known commonly as Biological Catalysts. The definition of a catalyst is a substance that can be used to speed up the rate of a chemical reaction while remaining unaffected and unchanged after the reaction. The enzyme's ability to act relies strongly upon the specific shape of the protein molecule, which is coiled into a precise three-dimensional shape. This specific shape is the cleft or depression, which other molecules (substrates) fit …

…and to leave it so the maximum rate achieved is always slightly below the theoretical maximum. The time taken to fit into and leave the active site is the limiting factor in the rate of reaction. tId from tId coursewrok tId work tId info tId Given the laboratory conditions, my results (although not perfect) give a clear indication of patterns and show clearly the effects of increasing substrate concentrations (along with increases in surface area).