Explanations of variations in errors with regards to enzymes

In summary, the conversation is discussing the reasons for the large variation in enzyme activity at different pH levels. The proposed explanations for this variation include the concentration of hydrogen ions affecting the charge on the enzyme's R group, the possibility of the enzymes adapting to the pH buffer, and potential inaccuracies in measurements. It is also mentioned that the graph of the results shows an increase in reaction rate from pH 5 to 7, followed by a decrease in oxygen gas released. The conversation suggests considering the effects of higher pH levels on the enzyme's functional groups and taking more observations to reduce variance in favorable pH values.
  • #1
faisal
46
0
Hello,
how can large variation between sets of different Ph results be scientifically explained, i am investigating the effects of Ph on enzyme activity, there are small error bars in my results between ph1,2,3,4 &5 however there is larger error bars between ph-6,7,8,9 & 10. there's an increase in the rate of reaction from ph-5 to ph-7 after which there is a fall in the volume of oxygen gas released, i have already proposed 3 explanations
-concentration of hydrogen ions higher from the ph-1 to ph3 ranges altered the charge on the R group of the enzyme
-enzymes may have acclimatised readily in ph buffer
-inaccuracy in taking meassurements?
 
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  • #2
when you graph your results does it look like this graph
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/img/gcsechem_18part1.gif [Broken]

faisal said:
-concentration of hydrogen ions higher from the ph-1 to ph3 ranges altered the charge on the R group of the enzyme

Have your consider what would happen at higher pH (8 and up)? What happen to amine and carboxyl functional group at different pH?
 
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  • #3
How many observations are you basing these error bars on? One would predict that they would be rather tight outside the optimum pH range of enzyme activity because the enzyme is not functional there and no activity is no activity. As one approaches the favorable range the enzymes become active and normal variance will be observed. Perhaps it's the low variance in the low pH range that is disturbing you, but I think this is a common observation and perhaps you could reduce the variance in your favorable pH values by taking more observations.
 

1. What are enzymes and how do they work?

Enzymes are biological molecules that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions. They speed up the rate of a reaction by lowering the activation energy required for the reaction to occur. Enzymes work by binding to specific substrates and converting them into products.

2. What causes variations in errors with regards to enzymes?

There are several factors that can contribute to variations in errors with regards to enzymes. These include temperature, pH, substrate concentration, enzyme concentration, and the presence of inhibitors or activators.

3. How does temperature affect enzyme activity?

Enzymes have an optimal temperature at which they function best. As temperature increases, enzyme activity also increases due to increased molecular motion. However, at temperatures above the optimal, enzymes can become denatured and lose their ability to function properly.

4. How does pH affect enzyme activity?

Enzymes also have an optimal pH at which they function best. Changes in pH can alter the enzyme's structure, affecting its ability to bind to substrates and catalyze reactions. Extreme pH levels can also cause enzymes to denature and lose their activity.

5. What is the role of enzyme concentration in enzyme activity?

The rate of a reaction is directly proportional to the enzyme concentration, as long as there is an excess of substrate. This means that increasing enzyme concentration will increase the rate of reaction, up to a certain point where all the substrate is being used and the reaction reaches its maximum rate.

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