Liver Enzyme Lab by Nicholas Heise

Liver Enzyme Lab

Purpose/Problem: This lab is being conducted to prove that liver, which contains enzymes, will break down the hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.

Introduction: Peroxide is poisonous, so we have catalysts in our body that break it down into two substances that are body is used to, water and oxygen.

Materials:

· 5 Test Tubes

· Water

· Hydrogen Peroxide

· Liver

· Eyedropper

· Stirring Rod

· Wooden Splint

· Matches

· Hot Plate

Procedure:

1. Fill test tube 1 up to the 2-cm mark with water using the eyedropper.

2. Add a piece of liver, making sure it is submerged in the liquid by using the stirring rod. Record observations.

3. Fill test tube 2 with peroxide up to the 2-cm mark.

4. Add a piece of liver to test tube 2, making sure it is submerged in water using the stirring rod. Record observations.

5. Fill test tube 3 with peroxide to the 2-cm mark.

6. Light a wooden splint using a match, let it burn for a few seconds, blow it out, and slowly submerge it in the peroxide in test tube 3. Record observations.

7. Fill test tube 4 with peroxide to the 2-cm mark.

8. Add a piece of liver to test tube 4, making sure it is submerged in the liquid using the stirring rod.

9. Light another wooden splint using a match, let it burn for a few seconds, blow it out, then touch the glowing part of the splint against the bubbles made from the reaction. Record observations.

10. Boil a piece of liver using the hot plate. Then add the liver to test tub 5 along with water until it reaches the 2-cm mark.

11. Add a few drops of peroxide to test tube 5. Record observations.

Data/Results:

Discussion

1. What are enzymes? What are their roles in chemical reactions?

Enzymes are substances produced by living organisms that act as catalysts to bring about a certain biochemical reaction.

2. Describe what happened to test tube 2 when hydrogen peroxide was added to the liver. What gas was produced? What liquid was left behind?

The peroxide reacted with the liver to produce oxygen. Bubbles formed and filled up the tube. Water was left behind.

3. What effect does the red-hot wood have on test tube 4? WHY is the flame being produced?

The red-hot wood upon touching the bubbles produced creates a spark. The flame is produced because pure oxygen and heat create fire.

4. What effect does temperature have on the enzymes (Test tube 5)?

The temperature denatures the enzymes in the liver, making it not produce a reaction when the peroxide and liver are mixed. The temperature is outside the enzymes optimal range so it is not functional.

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