The effect of pH on the rate of an enzyme reaction: data analysis
I can analyse and explain data from an investigation into the effect of changing pH on the rate of an enzyme reaction.
The effect of pH on the rate of an enzyme reaction: data analysis
I can analyse and explain data from an investigation into the effect of changing pH on the rate of an enzyme reaction.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Interpretation of graphs showing data from an investigation of the effect of pH on the rate of an enzyme reaction.
- Consideration of whether the data increase or decrease confidence in the original prediction or hypothesis.
- Enzyme reaction rate is highest at an optimum pH, at which all active sites are full.
- Enzyme reaction rate decreases at pH values below and above the optimum as the active site becomes denatured.
Keywords
Rate of reaction - How fast a chemical reaction occurs.
PH - A measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is.
End point - The point at which the chemical reaction has finished.
Active site - The part of an enzyme where the substrate binds.
Denatured - 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.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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