The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: data analysis and evaluation
I can analyse, explain and evaluate the results of an experiment investigating how temperature affects the rate of decomposition of milk by an enzyme.
The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: data analysis and evaluation
I can analyse, explain and evaluate the results of an experiment investigating how temperature affects the rate of decomposition of milk by an enzyme.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Calculate rate of reaction where rate = 1/time taken to reach the end point.
- Plot a graph of results (x-axis = temperature and y-axis = rate, or time taken to reach end point).
- Interpret the results and evaluate how well they support the hypothesis.
- Explain the results using ideas about the effect of temperature on the rate of enzyme activity.
Keywords
Rate - The rate is how quickly something takes place. The rate of a reaction is a measure of how much change occurs per unit of time.
End point - The point at which a reaction is complete, often indicated by a change in colour of an indicator.
Hypothesis - A precise, measurable and testable statement based on observations about how something works.
Active site - The part of an enzyme where the substrate binds.
Denature - A permanent change in the shape of an enzyme which stops it from working.
Common misconception
As pH increases above the optimum, enzymes denature and reaction rate falls; but this is not what happens at pHs below the optimum, so the graph and explanation resemble temperature.
The process of denaturing an enzyme is explored in detail, and a graph of reaction rate is explained carefully to make it clear that the changes to rate occur above and below the optimum pH.
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: data analysis and evaluation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: data analysis and evaluation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 biology lessons from the Living organisms and their environments unit, dive into the full secondary biology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Licence
Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
enzyme (works on lipids)
indicator (used to measure the end point)
found in milk (the substrate)
the product (decreases pH of the solution)

