Year 10 - Science
The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: practical
Living organisms and their environments
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
This unit explores ecosystem organisation, biotic and abiotic factors, material cycling, and the role of decomposers. It covers methods for identifying species and measuring their distribution. Emphasis is on selecting appropriate techniques, accurate measurements, sampling, and fieldwork practices.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to carry out an experiment to investigate how temperature affects the rate of decomposition of milk by an enzyme.
Key Notes
- Use an enzyme (e.g. lipase) to decompose milk.
- Measure the change in pH as the milk is decomposed.
- Estimate the rate of decomposition by measuring the change in pH.
- Compare the rate of decomposition at different temperatures.
Vocabulary To Learn
- enzyme: A protein which acts as a biological catalyst. This speeds up a reaction without being used up.
- active site: The part of an enzyme where the substrate binds.
- pH: A measure of how acidic or alkaline a solution is.
- end point: The point at which a reaction is complete, often indicated by a change in colour of an indicator.
- hypothesis: A precise, measurable and testable statement based on observations about how something works.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Several liquids are measured in this practical. The equipment used to measure the lipase should not be used to measure the liquids or the lipase may begin to digest fats before the practical starts.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.
Use an enzyme (e.g. lipase) to decompose milk. Measure the change in pH as the milk is decomposed.
2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'enzyme'
A protein which acts as a biological catalyst. This speeds up a reaction without being used up. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.
3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.
Mistake: Several liquids are measured in this practical. The equipment used to measure the lipase should not be used to measure the liquids or the lipase may begin to digest fats before the practical starts. Correction: To prevent contamination, ensure that the method is explained carefully and modelled through a demonstration or by watching the practical video.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Competition and adaptations in ecosystems Study Guide
- Components of an ecosystem Study Guide
- Estimating population size and distribution using transects: practical Study Guide
- Estimating population size using quadrats: practical Study Guide
- Factors affecting the rate of decomposition Study Guide
- Material cycles: the carbon cycle Study Guide
- Material cycles: the water cycle Study Guide
- Measuring the size and distribution of populations of organisms Study Guide
- The effect of temperature on the rate of decomposition by an enzyme: data analysis and evaluation Study Guide
- The role of microorganisms in decomposition Study Guide
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