Science News

Biology in Action

Unit 3 Biology students have started their second area of study, which looks at Biochemical reactions such as Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration. Both of these reactions are controlled by a special group of proteins called enzymes. 

To investigate factors that influence the action of enzymes our Biology classes exposed the enzyme catalase (an enzyme found inside cells which breaks down the toxic hydrogen peroxide) to a range of environments, such as heat, acid and increased enzyme concentration. 

We performed this experiment using both liver and potato and found that heat and acid will denature (break down) the enzyme so it can’t function, but when you increase the amount of enzyme the reaction will speed up – to the point that pieces of liver and oxygen will explode from a test tube!

Jake M Year 12

School Holiday Ideas

Maybe you just want to rest up and eat chocolate or perhaps you’re looking to get out and about? Either way, there is lots on in Melbourne for these school holidays.

If you want to stay home, the Chemistry and Art competition is still open, with entries closing on the 1st of May. Check it out here: https://raci.org.au/RACI/Web/Schools/Chemistry_and_Art.aspx

Or maybe you want to try some at home experiments? Science Bob has some fun and easy Science experiments that can be performed at home: https://sciencebob.com/category/experiments/

The Melbourne Zoo is open every day in the school holidays – here is their website to see what’s on and happening: https://www.zoo.org.au/melbourne/whats-on/

If you feel like a trip over the bridge, then Scienceworks has some excellent looking school holiday science ideas – both activities and shows for all ages (including a Planetarium show for adults): https://museumsvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/whats-on/autumn-holiday-program/

And of course, the Melbourne Museum has plenty of April school holiday shows, activities and exhibitions including Dragonflies, Dinosaurs and even Comedy Festival shows: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/whats-on/april-school-holidays-at-melbourne-museum/