Using Enzymes to Create Alternative Fuels

Introduction
a) Background:
In this lab we are attempting to create biofuels. Enzymes are key elements in this lab. Enzymes are normally proteins and they speed up the rate of chemical reactions. They are able to speed up reactions by positioning the substrate in a position so that the transition state of the reaction is stabilized. Cellulose is a common sugar used by organisms that produce cellulases, a type of enzyme. Cellulases start the transformation of cellulose into glucose. In creating biofuels, cellulases are important to change cellulose from plant walls into sugars. The sugar is then changed into ethanol through microbial fermentation. Cellulose is the main component of plant cell walls, and cellulose consists of a long chain of glucose molecules.


b) Purpose:
Research companies would complete this lab to identify the most efficient ways to create biofuels. They want to develop new fuels in a way that will not disrupt the carbon cycle and will be able to fit into systems that are already in place. This lab is helpful for our class because we will gain hands-on experience to gain an understanding of the enzymatic reaction process.


c) Process:
Day 1
We are transforming cellulose (from the plant cell wall) into cellobiose. We use an enzyme to catalyze this reaction. Microbes are able to break down cellulose. Microbes consist of bacteria, protists, and fungi. Then, an artificial substrate is created and enzymes break it down into glucose and P-Nitrophenol. At certain times, we will add a strong base to kill the enzyme and turn the P-Nitrophenol yellow. We add the strong base into small tubes, and then add the artificial substrate and cellobiase to the large tube. At certain times, we added a substance from the large beaker and put it into the small beaker. The more product that forms, the darker the yellow tint will become because the strong base adds color.
Day 2
We use a mortar and pestle to grind up a mushroom. We add extract (mushroom juice) to the reaction, and the mushroom juice carries enzymes that speed up the reaction. We will test different kinds of mushrooms and try to identify the most efficient ways to create biofuels.


d) Hypothesis/Controls/Variables:
My hypothesis is that larger mushrooms will carry stronger enzymes and will create more efficient biofuels. The controls in this lab are the cellulose and artificial substrate. The variables are the mushroom enzymes and strong base.


Discussion:
During this lab, my group put the solution in at incorrect time slots, so that was our source of error. From doing this lab I learned more about enzymes and their role in reactions. I also learned about how biofuels can be created and that in the future they will be a positive option because the fossil fuel supply could deplete.