Year 10 Science · Unit 2 · Lesson 13

Temperature and Catalysts

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Learning Goals

Warm Up

Read the graph

The line graph below shows the relative activity of the enzyme amylase at different temperatures (0–80°C). Study the graph and answer the questions below.

0 20 50 75 90 100 0 10 20 30 37 50 60 70 80 Temperature (°C) Relative activity (%) Optimum 37°C

Data: Simulated enzyme kinetics for human salivary amylase. Based on standard biochemistry references.

(a) Describe the overall trend shown in the graph from 0°C to 80°C. Where is activity greatest?

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(b) Activity drops sharply above 50°C. Using the term "denaturation," explain why the enzyme loses activity at high temperatures.

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(c) Predict what would happen to the graph shape if you tested an enzyme from a deep-sea vent bacterium that lives at 80°C. Explain your prediction.

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Your Turn

Compare two

Complete the table to compare a chemical catalyst and an enzyme.

FeatureChemical catalyst (e.g. MnO₂)Enzyme (e.g. amylase)
Specificity (works on many or one reaction?)
Effect of high temperature (>80°C)
Effect of extreme pH
Industrial example
Biological example in Australia

Show What You Know

1. The catalytic converters in Australian vehicles use platinum, palladium, and rhodium as heterogeneous catalysts to convert CO, NOₓ, and unburnt hydrocarbons in exhaust. Explain how heterogeneous catalysis works and why using three different metals is necessary.

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Wrap Up

In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?

HSCScience · Year 10 Science · Unit 2 · Lesson 13 · Apply Worksheet