Propose a suitable title, hypothesis, independent and dependent variables, procedure, observations and interpretation for an experiment investigating catalase activity in different parts of a pawpaw.

a)

(i) Step 1: Suggest a suitable title for the experiment.
A suitable title is:

• Investigating Catalase Activity in Different Parts of the Pawpaw

(ii) Step 2: State the hypothesis of the experiment.
A hypothesis for this experiment is:

• The pawpaw stalk will exhibit higher catalase activity compared to the pawpaw fruit and seeds.

(iii) Step 3: Identify the independent and dependent variables.

• Independent variable: Part of the pawpaw (fruit, seeds, stalk)
• Dependent variable: Rate/amount of oxygen gas produced (catalase activity)

b)

(i) Step 4: State the Procedure, Observations, and Interpretation.

Procedure:

1. Crush ten pawpaw seeds, a small chunk of pawpaw fruit, and a small piece of pawpaw stalk separately using a mortar and pestle to prepare three distinct samples.
2. Place each crushed sample into a separate, labeled test tube.
3. Add an equal volume (e.g., 5 mL) of hydrogen peroxide solution to each test tube simultaneously.
4. Observe the rate and amount of effervescence (bubbling) produced in each test tube for a set period (e.g., 5 minutes).

Observation:

• Varying degrees of effervescence (bubbling) will be observed in the three test tubes. One test tube will show more vigorous and sustained bubbling than the others, while another may show minimal or no bubbling.

Interpretation:

• The sample that produces the most vigorous and sustained bubbling indicates the highest concentration of catalase enzyme. This means that the specific part of the pawpaw from which that sample was taken contains more catalase. Conversely, the sample with less bubbling has less catalase.