Catalase Enzyme Fizz Test
Project Overview: Inside every living cell in your body, tiny protein machines called enzymes work around the clock. This project shows off one of the fastest enzymes in nature: catalase. Its job is to break down hydrogen peroxide, a substance your cells naturally produce, before it can cause damage. Watch a potato come to life right in front of you.
Materials Required:
1 raw potato
Hydrogen peroxide (3%, from the pharmacy)
2 clear cups
A spoon or grater
A knife
Instructions:
Cut the potato into a few small cubes. Mash one cube into a fine pulp, exposing as much of the inside as possible.
Pour hydrogen peroxide into one cup, filling it about a third full.
Drop the plain, uncut potato cube in and watch closely; there should be barely any reaction.
Pour more hydrogen peroxide into your second cup, then add the grated potato pulp instead.
Watch the fizzing, foaming bubbles erupt almost instantly. This is oxygen gas being released as the catalase enzyme in the potato cells rapidly breaks down the hydrogen peroxide.
Congratulations, you just witnessed an enzyme reaction happen in real time.
Fun Fact: That foam is pure oxygen gas being released, and this same catalase enzyme exists inside your own liver and blood cells right now, protecting you every single second of the day.
