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yuma
03/12/2025
Biology
GCSE Biology - Enzymes - AMYLASE *CORE PRACTICAL* Experiment Notes & Exam Question [Answered]
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3 Dec 2025
•
GCSE Biology: Enzymes and Amylase Practical - Comprehensive Notes and Questions Answered
yuma
@blueyberrymuffin
1 / 4
Understanding Amylase and Optimum pH
Your mouth contains a powerful enzyme called amylase that starts breaking down starchy foods the moment you begin chewing. This enzyme has an optimum pH - the perfect acidity level where it works most efficiently and gives the maximum rate of reaction.
Since amylase is found in saliva, which is roughly neutral, scientists hypothesise that its optimum pH should be around 7 or 8. The enzyme catalyses a digestion reaction where starch (a large polymer) breaks down into glucose molecules (smaller monomers).
The chemical equation is simple: Starch + Amylase → Glucose. This process is called starch hydrolysis and it's happening in your mouth right now!
Quick Check: Remember that starch is the substrate (what gets broken down), amylase is the enzyme (the catalyst), and glucose is the product (what you end up with).
Setting Up the Starch Test Experiment
The key to this experiment is using iodine solution as a starch indicator. When iodine meets starch, it turns blue-black, but when there's no starch present, iodine stays golden brown. This colour change tells you exactly when the amylase has finished its job.
Your hypothesis should predict that amylase works best at pH 8. To test this, you'll need buffer solutions at different pH levels (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10), plus amylase, starch solution, iodine, and a spotting tile.
The method involves mixing amylase with each buffer solution, adding starch, then taking samples every 10-20 seconds. You'll drop each sample onto iodine in the spotting tile wells and watch for the colour change.
Pro Tip: Start your timer the moment you add the starch solution - timing is crucial for accurate results!
Analysing Your Results
Looking at typical results, you might find that pH 7 gives the fastest reaction - taking only about 4.6 seconds on average, whilst pH 2 and pH 10 take much longer (around 120 and 115 seconds respectively). This shows the dramatic effect pH has on enzyme activity.
Your original hypothesis of pH 8 was close, but the optimum pH of amylase is actually pH 7 - perfectly neutral, just like healthy saliva should be. The results create a clear pattern: reaction time decreases from pH 2 to pH 7, then increases sharply from pH 7 to pH 10.
This makes biological sense because enzymes are incredibly sensitive to pH changes. Move too far from the optimum pH and the enzyme's shape changes, making it less effective at catalysing the reaction.
Remember: The shortest time = fastest reaction = optimum pH for the enzyme!
Calculating Reaction Rates and Improvements
To compare how fast the enzyme works at different pH levels, you can calculate the relative rate of reaction using the formula: Rate = 1/time. For example, if all starch was digested in 20 seconds, the rate would be 1/20 = 0.05.
This isn't a "true rate" (which would need mass of starch divided by time), but it's perfect for comparing different conditions. The higher the number, the faster your enzyme is working.
Key improvements for this experiment include using more accurate measuring equipment, taking averages from several repeats to reduce errors, and sampling at smaller time intervals. You could also test a narrower pH range around pH 7 to pinpoint the exact optimum.
Exam Tip: Always suggest taking repeat measurements and calculating averages - it's the easiest way to improve any biological experiment!
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE Biology: Enzymes and Amylase Practical - Comprehensive Notes and Questions Answered
yuma
@blueyberrymuffin
Ever wondered how your saliva breaks down the starchy foods you eat? This practical experiment explores how the enzyme amylase works at different pH levels to digest starch into glucose. You'll discover the perfect conditions for this crucial digestive process... Show more
Understanding Amylase and Optimum pH
Your mouth contains a powerful enzyme called amylase that starts breaking down starchy foods the moment you begin chewing. This enzyme has an optimum pH - the perfect acidity level where it works most efficiently and gives the maximum rate of reaction.
Since amylase is found in saliva, which is roughly neutral, scientists hypothesise that its optimum pH should be around 7 or 8. The enzyme catalyses a digestion reaction where starch (a large polymer) breaks down into glucose molecules (smaller monomers).
The chemical equation is simple: Starch + Amylase → Glucose. This process is called starch hydrolysis and it's happening in your mouth right now!
Quick Check: Remember that starch is the substrate (what gets broken down), amylase is the enzyme (the catalyst), and glucose is the product (what you end up with).
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Setting Up the Starch Test Experiment
The key to this experiment is using iodine solution as a starch indicator. When iodine meets starch, it turns blue-black, but when there's no starch present, iodine stays golden brown. This colour change tells you exactly when the amylase has finished its job.
Your hypothesis should predict that amylase works best at pH 8. To test this, you'll need buffer solutions at different pH levels (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10), plus amylase, starch solution, iodine, and a spotting tile.
The method involves mixing amylase with each buffer solution, adding starch, then taking samples every 10-20 seconds. You'll drop each sample onto iodine in the spotting tile wells and watch for the colour change.
Pro Tip: Start your timer the moment you add the starch solution - timing is crucial for accurate results!
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Analysing Your Results
Looking at typical results, you might find that pH 7 gives the fastest reaction - taking only about 4.6 seconds on average, whilst pH 2 and pH 10 take much longer (around 120 and 115 seconds respectively). This shows the dramatic effect pH has on enzyme activity.
Your original hypothesis of pH 8 was close, but the optimum pH of amylase is actually pH 7 - perfectly neutral, just like healthy saliva should be. The results create a clear pattern: reaction time decreases from pH 2 to pH 7, then increases sharply from pH 7 to pH 10.
This makes biological sense because enzymes are incredibly sensitive to pH changes. Move too far from the optimum pH and the enzyme's shape changes, making it less effective at catalysing the reaction.
Remember: The shortest time = fastest reaction = optimum pH for the enzyme!
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Calculating Reaction Rates and Improvements
To compare how fast the enzyme works at different pH levels, you can calculate the relative rate of reaction using the formula: Rate = 1/time. For example, if all starch was digested in 20 seconds, the rate would be 1/20 = 0.05.
This isn't a "true rate" (which would need mass of starch divided by time), but it's perfect for comparing different conditions. The higher the number, the faster your enzyme is working.
Key improvements for this experiment include using more accurate measuring equipment, taking averages from several repeats to reduce errors, and sampling at smaller time intervals. You could also test a narrower pH range around pH 7 to pinpoint the exact optimum.
Exam Tip: Always suggest taking repeat measurements and calculating averages - it's the easiest way to improve any biological experiment!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
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Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
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Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user