Submitted by sat on 13 February 2019
Answer updated 17/01/2023
The Biology Corner website has an investigation on enzymes (https://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/enzyme_lab.html) that is well set out and may be suitable for your needs. It does not include the use of detergent; however, you could add universal indicator and some detergent to Part D to achieve the outcome you are looking for. As with all new activities, it is recommended that you and/or your technician trial the activity to ensure that it suits your purposes and is workable.
Alternative experiments:
‘Factors affecting enzyme activity’, Nuffield Foundation, https://practicalbiology.org/bio-molecules/factors-affecting-enzyme-activity (Accessed Jan 2023). Some examples of a range of different enzymes and activities.
'Liver Stinks!’, Science Buddies, https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/BioChem_p030/biotechnology-techniques/liver-stinks (Accessed Jan 2023). An activity testing under different conditions without test tubes.
‘Practical Enzyme Experiments Anyone Can Do’, Practical Biology: science for everyone, https://practicalbio.blogspot.com/2012/11/easy-enzyme-experiments-anyone-can-do.html Accessed Jan 2023). A blog on enzymes including two activities using the catalase enzyme.
‘The Effect of Hydrogen Peroxide on Liver: Hypothesis, Apparatus, Method’, Schoolworkhelper website, https://schoolworkhelper.net/the-effect-of-hydrogen-peroxide-on-liver-hypothesis-apparatus-method/ (Accessed Jan 2023). Includes some general information and an experiment.
‘The Liver: Helping Enzymes Help You!’, Scientific American website, https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/bring-science-home-liver-helping-enzymes/ (Accessed Jan 2023). An activity testing under different conditions without test tubes.
Submitted by on 19 February 2019
Rather than using liver, consider using grated potato. Method: place 2g of freshly grated potato into a25 or 50ml measuring cylinder. Add 2-5ml of water or buffer depending on your variable. Add a drop or two of detergent and Mix . Add 1ml 3% hydrogen peroxide. Read the height of the foam column after a set time. potato is much nicer to clean up than liver especially if temperature is your variable.