Enzyme Explorations through Cheesemaking: A Qualitative Approach for Learning about Enzyme Function

 

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2012, Volume 33

Aimee Phillippi

Abstract

Typical general biology enzyme labs involve spectrophotometry, which, while quantitative, can be technologically challenging. Students can miss the essentials about the roles of temperature, pH, concentration, and substrate type in enzymology if they are overwhelmed by the equipment and analysis. Cheesemaking offers a practical and fun approach where students experiment with temperature, pH, enzyme concentration, and substrate type. While the experiment provides primarily qualitative data, the ability to see, feel, and taste the results aids their conceptual understanding and interest. the chymosin reaction in curd formation from milk.

Keywords:  enzyme, temperature, pH, chymosin

New Mexico State University (2011)