Investigating Enzymes: Phosphatase Enzymes in Plants

One of a series of resources from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS) investigating key topics in plant biology. A standard protocol which is used to extract phosphatase enzymes from plants, including a method to calculate the rate of reaction. Investigations using this protocol can be found on the Science & Plants for Schools website. Phosphatases are enzymes widespread in plants easily extracted from germinating seeds. The pink substrate phenolphthalein phosphate (PPP) can be used to estimate the amount of enzymatic activity, and investigations can be carried out under differing pH and temperatures. Students have the opportunity to use colorimeters in this practical.

The resource is suitable for use for A level, Scottish Highers and IB.

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• URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx5bp