Investigating Enzymes: Inhibition of Catechol Oxidase in Bananas

One of a series of resources from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS) investigating key topics in plant biology. In this practical, student investigate how lead inhibits catechol oxidase, an enzyme which is easily extracted from a banana and which is responsible for turning fruit brown. Measuring the intensity of the brown colour formed at the end of the experiment will indicate how active the enzyme is and how much the volume of lead added has inhibited the enzyme.

This resource is suitable for A level or Scottish Highers.

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• URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx5br