======Effect of pH on Catalase Enzyme Activity======


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**Alternative titles:** Catalase pH
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====Summary====                   
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====Procedure====  
  - Label five test tubes with the pH values 1, 4, 7, 8, and 12.  
  - Add 5 ml of hydrogen peroxide to each test tube.  
  - Adjust the pH of each tube by adding suitable acid or alkali solutions to reach the target pH levels.  
  - Add a few drops of universal indicator to confirm the pH of each tube.  
  - Add a few drops of detergent to each tube to trap oxygen gas as foam.  
  - Add 1 ml of yeast solution (a source of catalase enzyme) to each tube.  
  - Allow the reactions to proceed for 5 minutes at room temperature.  
  - Measure and record the height of foam produced in each tube as an indicator of enzyme activity.  




====Links==== 
How pH effects enzyme activity - Milne’s Science Tech: 
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====Variations====
  * Test additional pH values between 5 and 9 to more precisely determine the optimum pH.  
  * Use catalase from different sources such as potato or liver.  
  * Repeat the experiment at different temperatures to see combined effects of pH and temperature.



====Safety Precautions====
  * Wear safety goggles and gloves when handling acids, alkalis, and hydrogen peroxide.  
  * Avoid skin contact with hydrogen peroxide and strong pH solutions.  
  * Work in a well-ventilated area or fume hood if possible.  
  * Dispose of chemical mixtures safely according to local regulations.  





====Questions to Consider====
  * What is the function of catalase in this experiment? (It breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen.)  
  * Why is detergent added to the test tubes? (It traps the oxygen gas released, forming foam that can be measured.)  
  * At which pH was enzyme activity highest? (The highest foam production occurred at pH 8, suggesting this is near the enzyme’s optimum pH.)  
  * Why does enzyme activity decrease at very high or low pH values? (Extreme pH levels alter the enzyme’s shape and denature the active site, reducing activity.)