This demonstration illustrates the importance of enzymes in the human body. Enzymes catalyze many important chemical reactions in the body. This demonstration is a visual example of how the enzyme catalase, which is present in all cells, but in highest concentrations in the liver, breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen gas. Hydrogen peroxide, which is a potentially damaging oxidizing agent, is a by-product of certain cellular reactions. It must be broken down quickly because it could damage and destroy cells.
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Teacher Demo/Student Activity: Disappearing Volume
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Teacher Demonstration
In this activity, student mix a given quantity of salt with a fixed volume of water. Mass and volume measurements are made before and after mixing to determine if these quantities change. Students... read more
Teacher Demo: What's in your breath? Neutralization Reactions
Categories: Teacher Demonstration
This activity involves the surprising neutralization reactions between the carbonic acid that forms when the carbon dioxide in one's breath reacts with water and calcium hydroxide. read more
Teacher Demo/Student Activity: Red Cabbage Indicator
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Teacher Demonstration
This demonstration illustrates the presence and importance of chemistry in everyday objects, including our food. It is an interesting way to start the discussion of acids and bases or to connect... read more
