The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: practical
I can carry out an experiment to investigate how temperature affects the rate of decomposition of milk by an enzyme.
The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: practical
I can carry out an experiment to investigate how temperature affects the rate of decomposition of milk by an enzyme.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.
These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Use an enzyme (e.g. lipase) to decompose milk.
- Measure the change in pH as the milk is decomposed.
- Estimate the rate of decomposition by measuring the change in pH.
- Compare the rate of decomposition at different temperatures.
Keywords
Enzyme - A protein which acts as a biological catalyst. This speeds up a reaction without being used up.
Active site - The part of an enzyme where the substrate binds.
PH - A measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is.
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.
Common misconception
Several liquids are measured in this practical. The equipment used to measure the lipase should not be used to measure the liquids or the lipase may begin to digest fats before the practical starts.
To prevent contamination, ensure that the method is explained carefully and modelled through a demonstration or by watching the practical video.
To help you plan your year 10 biology lesson on: The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: practical, 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: practical, 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.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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.
Content guidance
- Risk assessment required - equipment
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Starter quiz
6 Questions
