Enzyme Lab Report
Introduction:
The purpose of this lab was to study coacervates and their relationship with the world. We created our own coacervates by using hydrochloric acid, gelatin and gum arabic. At the end of the lab, we created coacervates and made them disappear using different amounts of hydrochloric acid.
Abstract:
In this lab, we explored coacervates. According to scientists, coacervates are the most early forms of life. They are one of the simplest systems that can be bound together without a membrane (Coacervates). If the settings are correct, coacervates can be made using simple things (Flammer). Molecules in certain settings can create a complex form of life, or almost life in the case of coacervates.
Coacervates are important to study because they show what the earliest forms of life could have been. We studied coacervates by creating a setting in which simple compounds can form a life-like structure. This gives us knowledge into how complex living things, like humans, were formed. If we had set a prime setting for coacervates to form, they would form. As soon as we changed this setting, the coacervates would no longer exist.
Discussion:
The purpose behind the lab was so that the group is able to find coacervates in substances such as lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. The equipment listed out for the lab was used correctly and enabled the group to find coacervates and their prime conditions to occur inside of. Using the pH scale and finding things such as the pH level of that final solution allowed the group to have something to determine the prime conditions which were set at the beginning of the experiment with the initial pH reading.
The experimental design carries the group from prime conditions for coacervates to conditions that are not prime for the formation of coacervates. The group consistently walked the line between prime conditions and not prime conditions. Coacervates would form once and then go away when another thing was added. Comparing the pH reading allowed the group to come to conclusions of the prime pH level for coacervates formation. The beginning of the experiment of course gives a baseline to compare back to during and after eh experiment.
Initial assumptions were correct. The group was positive that at some point we were going to form coacervates than get rid of them in the next step. The initial purpose was to find the prime conditions for the formation of coacervates.
Methods
This study was conducted at New Tech High @ Coppell, on October 1st, 2015. Our research was in a science classroom. The purpose of the lab was to replicate the origins of life by using coacervates. Within a short conducted experiment we divided among each other with a role, as one gather the chemicals we need to use, the other holds the test tube and proceed to add drops of the chemical.
We conducted sketches and digital pictures of what the coacervates looked like then add another acid to the mix in the test tube. We conducted these various visual results to determine (1) if the coacervates were a success, and (2) if the acid would eliminate the coacervates.
Data & Results
With coacervates our initial PH was 5 (1). Once we added the HCl it was 4 (1). Once the HCl was added we put it under the microscope we were able to see the results (1)(C1). Without coacervates out initial PH was 4 (1). Once we added HCl it was around 1.5 (1). Once the HCl was added we put it under the microscope we were able to see the results (I)(C2).
Conclusion
The purpose of this lab was to learn about the origins of life using the chemicals to create coacervates. We now know that the chemicals used in this experiment was a success on making coacervates and then eliminating them after adding a drop of acid to the solution in the test tube. We also learned that combining the mixture with gelatin and gum arabic with a drop of acid, would then turn the test tube cloudy after lifting it upside down. The experiment was a success that increase our knowledge about coacervates and what it looks like visually at the end.
Data Table (1)
Initial pH
pH with HCl
With coacervates
5
4
Without coacervates
4
1-2
Citations:
"Enzymes." - Chemwiki. 1 Oct. 2013. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.
"Catalase Structure Tutorial Text." Catalase Structure Tutorial Text. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.