Enzyme Investigation
Extract phosphatase from mung bean seedlings and follow its reaction using modern small-scale techniques. Groups can investigate either the effects of pH and temperature or the concentration of enzyme, substrate and inhibitor. The workshop includes calibration of standards and is suitable for assessment at A level.
Risk Assessment
| Activity | Hazard | Precaution | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handling beansprouts | Possible allergies to seedlings | Students asked if they have allergies Gloves available or one student per group can carry out extraction | Very Low |
| Micropipetting | Micropipette tips are sharps | Dispose of tips in sharps box | Low |
| Enzyme extraction buffer | Non hazardous | N/A | N/A |
| Stop solution (sodium carbonate) | Mild alkali | Safety glasses. Very small quantities used. Can be washed off | Very low |
| Substrate phenolphthalein diphosphate | Irritant, probably toxic | Very small quantites of dilute solution used. Kept in capped microfuge tubes and dispensed with micropipettes | Low |
| Product phenolphthalein | Toxic | Very small quantites of dilute solution used. Kept in capped microfuge tubes and dispensed with micropipettes | Low |
| Phosphate buffers | Weak irritant | Dilute solutions used | Very Low |
| Acetate buffers | Some buffers are acidic | Small quantities used using pipettes to dispense rather than pouring. pH is not extreme (similar to carbonated fruit juice drinks) | Very Low |
| Water baths | Tubes and floats need to be placed in 60ºC and 80ºC baths | Students warned of hazard. Tongs supplied to lift floats in and out. | Low |
