The effect of copper sulphate on catalase

[northernstar035]

Im an access student at college. We did an experiment on the action of catalase (using liver and hydrogen peroxide), part of this experiment involved copper sulphate which we expected to inhibit the enzyme, the splint relit can anyone explain why this happened??
Thanks in anticipation x

[JackBean]

look at Brenda database for Cu effect on catalase.

The heavy metals usually inhibit proteins by denaturation. However, I think that Cu could catalyze the reaction by itself. So, you should check for non-enzymatic reaction...

[northernstar035]

Thanks I will do x

[Julie5]

One of life's little pleasures - dabbing peroxide on a child's cut, and watching the fizz. Fond memories. (They are so surprised they stop crying...)