Biofuel Enzyme Kit

Biofuel Enzyme Kit

This kit explores enzyme kinetics associated with the production of cellulosic ethanol, a biofuel, and provides support for a structured, teacher-driven approach.

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Overview

pGLOKit

Looking for an Inquiry-Based Approach?
See Biofuel Enzyme Reactions Kit for AP Biology

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Reveal the power of enzyme kinetics by illustrating their function through the real-world application of biofuel production. The Biofuel Enzyme Kit measures the enzymatic activity of cellobiase (part of the cellulase family) and identifies the optimal conditions for the enzyme. The reaction of cellobiase breaking down cellobiose is important in the process of making cellulosic ethanol, which is an efficient, more sustainable fuel to replace petroleum. Students test and calculate the conversion rate of a sugar substrate (p–nitrophenyl glucopyranoside) to p–nitrophenol and glucose in the presence or absence of cellobiase.

Features and Benefits

  • Guides instruction on enzyme kinetics and biofuel energy sources
  • Contains no caustic reagents
  • Enables both qualitative and quantitative measurements of reactions

After establishing the reaction rate in the presence of the enzyme, various conditions can be tested. Students can perform the following independent inquiries:

  • Determine the effect of temperature on the reaction rate
  • Determine the effect of pH on the reaction rate
  • Determine the effect of enzyme concentration on the reaction rate
  • Determine the effect of substrate concentration on the reaction rate
  • Test the ability of mushroom extracts to increase the reaction rate

Background Information

Cellulosic ethanol is a biofuel derived from plant matter. Cellulose is a polysaccharide found in the cell walls of plants. The breakdown of cellulose into sugar is a multistep process that is facilitated by a family of enzymes called cellulases. Each cellulase has its own unique role in processing cellulose from a long strand of glucoses down to single units that can then undergo microbial fermentation to produce ethanol.

More Information

  • One 45 min laboratory activity
  • Provides sufficient materials for eight student workstations, up to four students per workstation

Specifications

Kit contains sufficient materials for 8 student workstations
(2–4 students per workstation)
 
Enzyme, cellobiase, 1 ml
1
Substrate, p-nitrophenyl glucopyranoside, 90 mg
1
Standard, p-nitrophenol (1 mM, 4 ml)
1
2x stop solution, 100 ml
1
10x resuspension buffer, 50 ml
1
Extraction buffer, 50 ml
1
Disposable plastic transfer pipets
40
1.5 ml microcentrifuge tubes
90
15 ml conical tubes
50
Disposable cuvettes
100
Instruction manual
1

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166-5035EDU_tn.jpg
(Discontinued) Biofuel Enzyme Kit
1665035EDU
Enzyme kinetics kit, includes enzyme, substrate, standard, solution, buffers, disposable pipets, tubes, and cuvettes, for 32 students; education use only

Refills

1665036EDU
Consumables refill reagents for use with Biofuel Enzyme kit (1665035EDU) and Biofuel Enzyme Reactions Kit (17001235EDU), contains enzyme, substrate, standard, 2x stop solution, 10x resuspension buffer, extraction buffer; education use only.

Documents

Number Description Options
6672
Map of AP-Aligned Bio-Rad Kits with Essential Knowledge
6673
Map of AP-Aligned Bio-Rad Kits with Investigative Laboratories
6605
Map of AP-Aligned Bio-Rad Kits with Learning Objectives
6583
20 Questions to Master Inquiry - Biofuel Enzyme Kit Handout, Rev A
10017703
Instruction Manual, Biotechnology Explorer Biofuel Enzyme Kit
5947
Instruction Manual, Biofuel Enzyme Kit Quick Guide, Biotechnology Explorer™, Rev A
6696
Mushroom Habitat Flashcards, Rev A
6849
Biofuel Enzyme Reactions Kit for AP Biology Quick Guide, Ver A