Photo by V. Miller
Feb. 27, 2008
Catalase, Metal and Alzheimer's
Effects of Chelation on Catalase Activity: Implications in Alzheimer's Disease
Alyssa Chan, 13, Encinitas, Calif.
National Park Service "Explorer" Team Award, Discovery Channel Young Scientist Challenge, 2007
Project background: Alyssa found that the possible biological mechanisms for Alzheimer's disease include the metal ion–mediated formation of hydrogen peroxide. Knowing that the enzyme catalase breaks down hydrogen peroxide, Alyssa decided to test the impact of metal salts and the chelating agent EDTA on this activity.
Tactics and results: Alyssa tested catalase-reaction rates using a test tube strategy in which paper is soaked in a catalase solution and dropped into hydrogen peroxide. The rate of the ensuing reaction is measured by observing how quickly the paper moves to the top of the solution.
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| Photo by V. Miller |
Alyssa used the technique to test five metal ions: aluminum, zinc, manganese, magnesium, and calcium. She found that aluminum and zinc slowed the catalase reaction and that manganese and magnesium sped it up. Calcium had little impact. Adding EDTA slowed the catalase breakdown of hydrogen peroxide, with or without the metal ions.
To get science project ideas and expert advice from Science Buddies, go to www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/areas_of_science.shmtl.
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