Catalase in potatoes
Objective: Experiment with the catalase in potatoes
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Laboratory materials
Erlenmeyer
Knife
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Reagents
1 potato
Hydrogen peroxide (first aid kit grade)
Matches
Aluminum foil
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Questions
What is it observed when you add hydrogen peroxide?
What is happening?
What is the chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide? Which gas is released? Does the flame of the matchstick extinguish or ignite?
Procedure
- Add the potato in small pieces halfway into the erlenmeyer.
- Cover it with hydrogen peroxide.
- Cover it with aluminum foil.
- Light a match and bring it close to the erlenmeyer (removing the foil).
Theoretical explanation
Hydrogen peroxide is transformed into H2O and O2. This reaction occurs naturally, but with the catalase in potatoes, the process is accelerated. Catalase is an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction, or in other words, it accelerates the chemical reaction. The oxygen produced causes the flame to ignite. The same thing happens in wounds: hydrogen peroxide attacks pathogenic bacteria that are anaerobic. It produces bubbles because it decomposes with the catalase that we also have in our blood. The same experiment could be tried with more types of food: banana, carrot, strawberries…
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