How Does pH Affect Amylase Activity?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the investigation of how pH affects the activity of the enzyme amylase. Participants explore methods for conducting experiments, including equipment and techniques for obtaining quantitative results.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Experimental/applied

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using saliva as a source of amylase, bread as a substrate, and various pH solutions including lemon juice and vinegar for acidic conditions, along with distilled water and an alkaline solution.
  • Another participant notes that iodine solution may not provide accurate enough readings to differentiate between samples when testing for glucose production.
  • A different participant recommends using stronger acids and bases, while mentioning that salivary amylase functions optimally within a pH range of approximately 6.0 to 8.0.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present multiple approaches and suggestions for the investigation, indicating that there is no consensus on the best method or equipment to use.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the accuracy of iodine as a testing method and the specific pH range for optimal amylase activity, which remain unresolved.

GaMeR4LyF
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Hi guys, i have been set some coursework by school on the investigation of the effect of pH on the enzyme amylase. I am abit lost right now only just started A levels. Can someone suggest how i would carry out this investigation? Equipment and method would be much appreciated! And the results need to be quantitative and not qualitative.
 
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ahh my bad wrong board
 
well you could use your spit (contains the enzyme) , pieces of bread (substrate) ,lemon juice/vinegar (to provide acidic medium) ,water (ph7.7 preferably distilled water),and an alkaline solution.To test to see if glucose has been produced use an iodine solution.
Blue-black colour indicates that the result is positive.equipment needed : petri dishs :smile:
 
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hmmm...problem with iodine is that it doesn't give accurate enough readings to differenciate between the samples
 
Try using a stronger acid and a stronger base. Remember salivary amylase works best in a range of +/- 6.0 - 8.0 .:smile:
 

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