Catalase...

[Byrne]

Just wondering if anyone has some particular information on this enzyme as I'm having some trouble on the Internet.

I completed a lab today using the catalase enzyme, examing the factors that affect the biological catalyst as it speeds up the decomposition of hydogen peroxide. The information I am finding on the Internet about pH suggests that its optimal pH is around 7.0, but when we performed the lab, the reaction proceeded quickist in the 10-11 pH range. Also, regarding temperature, we had to heat the liver "milkshake" we had to a temperature of 75 C... according to information I've found, denaturation begins signifcantly below this mark, so should be see decreased activity from our room temp experimentation?

[Coraleen212]

I would say that catalase would have denatured significantly before 75 C. I think its optimum temperature is around 35-40 C and would start to denature at around 45 C ish. So if it was exposed to temperatures of 75 C, then yes, I'd say you should expect a decreased rate. I'm not certain as to its optimum pH, however I think itis likely to be around pH 7, as extremes in pH would denature it as well.