Examine the table below and answer the questions that follow about the data:

Question

Data Table: Reaction Rate of Enzyme Catalase at Different Temperatures

temperature (c)
10
20
30
40
50
60
reaction rate (oxygen produced in ml/min)
2.0
3.5
5.0
6.0
4.5
2.0

a) What does the table indicate as the optimal temperature for catalase? Include in your answer a sentence about the definition of temperature.

b) Why does the reaction rate vary?



Grading Considerations:

Your answer must include:

Answers to both a and b
Specific temperature from the given table
2-3 complete sentences.
Answers longer than 3 sentences will not be considered. Answering concisely and to the point is evidence of your understanding of the topic.

(3 points)
BoldItalicUnderline

Answer 1

a) The table indicates that the optimal temperature for the enzyme catalase is 40°C, as this is where the highest reaction rate of 6.0 ml/min is observed. Temperature is defined as the measure of the average kinetic energy of the particles in a substance, influencing enzyme activity and reaction rates.

b) The reaction rate varies due to changes in molecular motion and enzyme activity at different temperatures. At optimal temperatures, enzymes have the right conformation for substrate binding, but at too high or too low temperatures, enzymes can denature or become less active, decreasing the reaction rate.