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: Bending Water
Categories: Lab/Student Activity, Teacher Demonstration
In this demo, a polyethylene rod is charged by rubbing with wool. The charged rod is then used to bend a stream of water flowing from a tap. Different substances have different attractions for... read more
Teacher Demo: Toxic Path: Bioaccumulation
Categories: Teacher Demonstration
Humans have had a huge effect on the environment by producing and releasing pollutants. Pollution leads to a variety of issues. Some of the better-known pollutants include greenhouse gases, which are... read more
Teacher Demo: Flame Tests
Categories: Teacher Demonstration
This classic demonstration involves conducting flame tests of metal salt solutions. The colour of each flame test can be used as a qualitative test to detect the presence of the corresponding metal... read more