Scientific Inquiry Students conduct an investigation to observe how isomers of catechol inhibit the enzymatic activity of tyrosinase. Students use evidence from the investigation to propose explanations for how an enzyme is prevented from reacting. Students also use their results from the denaturation of an enzyme to predict the effect of a high fever on the body. Properties and Changes in Properties of Matter, Grades 5-8 Substances react chemically in characteristic ways with other substances. In this activity, students examine enzyme specificity.
Students also observe the denaturing reaction of proteins and the inhibition of an enzyme.
Chemical Reactions, Grades 9-12 Complex chemical reactions take place constantly in our bodies. Students discuss how enzymes work in the body as catalysts, allowing chemical reactions to occur at lower temperatures. Reaction rates depend in part on temperature. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts for chemical reactions in living things. Catalysts accelerate chemical reactions and allow specific reactions to occur at a lower temperature.