3. A popular lab that can be performed by students is to test the reaction rate of catalase enzyme when it acts on hydrogen peroxide. Catalase has the ability to break down hydrogen peroxide. Catalase can be found in beef liver from the grocery store! However, if the beef liver is boiled first, the catalase will not be able to break down hydrogen peroxide.

Enzyme catalase is affected by high temperatures

Explanation: Enzymes are organic catalysts which are protein in nature therefore they are sensitive to changes in temperature. Most enzymes have an optimum range of temperature between 35-40°c.

As temperature is increased, the optimum temperature is reached where the rate of reaction is maximum. When beef liver is boiled, hydrogen peroxide is not broken down because higher temperatures denature enzymes making them non effective.