The Limits of Amylase Essay Example for Free

The Limits of Amylase Essay Abstract This report explains the purpose of this experiment in a way that conveys information to the reader about Amylase’s ability to withstand acidic or basic pH. To do this, two test tubes were both filled with 5mL of a 5% amylase solution. The first one was filled with an acid, while the other was filled with a base. After dropping liquid Iodine and Benedict’s solution into each one, the tube with a basic pH tested positive for glucose. The acidic solution tested (mostly) negative for glucose, although there were trace amounts at the bottom. Overall, my conclusion is that only acidic solutions inhibit Amylase’s ability to digest starch. Background The goal of the experiment is to test whether or not Amylase can withstand abnormal changes in pH without denaturing itself. Salivary Amylase is an enzyme that acts upon any polysaccharide that enters the mouth (mainly starch). However, it has a few other clinical uses. It is used for the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis, an inflammation of the pancreas, and other medical conditions regarding Amylase levels in the body. Amylase’s first discovery in 1831 led to new experiments about this enzyme. By separating pancreatic Amylase from Trypsin, they were able to realize that it acted upon starch, breaking it down into a simple sugar, or monosaccharide. In the diagram (featured below), the active site of this enzyme contain three major acidic groups. These contain a calcium ion (the large gray sphere) , the chloride ion (the large green sphere), and the chain of five sugar units (in yellow orange). Previously mentioned, this enzyme will act upon starch and break it down into simple sugars. 2 Hypothesis If we expose Amylase to a variety of acidic and basic solutions to test whether it will still digest starch or not, then I think that it will denature both ways, because Amylase is normally intolerable to any pH above 8 or below 6. Materials and Procedures The following will be useful in this experiment: 20mL of a 5% Amylase solution 20mL of a 1% starch solution 8 test tubes At least 5mL of HCl At least 5mL of NaOH Hot plate Beaker full of water (for incubation) Liquid Iodine Solution Benedict’s Solution Follow this procedure: 1. In your first 4 test tubes, add the following solutions accordingly to each tube: -Test tube 1: 5mL of distilled water -Test tube 2: 5mL of the 5% Amylase solution -Test tube 3: 5mL of Amylase solution + 2-3 drops of HCl -Test tube 4: 5mL of Amylase solution + 2-3 drops of NaOH 2. Add 5mL of the starch solution into each tube. 3. Incubate each tube in the beaker of water for 30 minutes. The temperature should be 37 °C (98.6 °F). 4. After incubation, split half of all contents in each tube into 4 new tubes. 5. Insert 2-3 drops of the Iodine solution into the first set of beakers (the original 4). Then, insert 2-3 drops of the Benedicts solution into the second set of test tubes. 6. Record any color changes. 3 Results The first test tube (containing distilled water) was light brown when mixed with iodine, and blue when mixed with Benedict’s solution. The second test tube (5% Amylase solution) was light brown when mixed with iodine. It became orange when Benedict’s was added to the mix. The third test tube turned dark brown when the iodine was added. The other beaker with test tube 3’s contents remained blue when Benedict’s solution was added, although traces of Orange were found. The last test tube appeared Light Brown with the iodine mixed in (3 drops are always used), and appeared Orange when combined with the Benedict’s solution. Discussion Many of the test tubes ended up looking like I expected them to, except the fourth beaker. I had not expected that Amylase, under the influence of a very basic solution, could still act as a catalyst for starch. With a pH of  9 or higher, Amylase would normally denature itself. This could mean one of two things: Amylase is capable of functioning normally under a very high pH, or it could’ve been human error that led to this surprising result. To minimize chances of this happening again, assuming that this was human error only, would be to maximize the pH in the fourth beaker to 14 instead of 12, should a new lab arise, focusing on Amylase’s ability to withstand a high pH without getting denatured. Conclusion Overall, most of my results agreed with my notes and background knowledge about Amylase, apart from the difference in test tube 4. Like I predicted, the Amylase solution (tube 2) tested positive for simple sugars, the acidic solution denatured the enzyme, and the distilled water did absolutely nothing. Sources Dugdale, D. (2013, October 31). Amylase blood. Retrieved from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003464.htm (n.a.) Alpha- amylases. (2006, February 18). Retrieved from http://www.rcsb.org/pdb/education_discussion/molecule_of_the_month/download/Alpha-amylase.pdf (n.a.) Alpha amylase. (2010, January 29). Retrieved from http://science.marshall.edu/murraye/alpha_amylase.htm

Weight Loss with the Atkins Advantage Bar :: Health Nutrition Diet Exercise Essays

Weight Loss with the Atkins Advantage Bar   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The low carbohydrate Atkins Diet is the latest craze in the weight loss world. The high fat and protein content of the diet is successful at reducing weight because carbohydrates produce an elevated insulin response which in turn increases hunger and the craving for more carbohydrates. Thus, the level of insulin increase from the intake of an Atkins Advantage Bar is almost equal with the insulin levels after the intake of chicken. Meanwhile, the Zone Diet’s Balance Bar, which contains 40% carbohydrates, causes insulin levels to increase above that of chicken and the Atkins Advantage Bar.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In order to lose weight in a short amount of time one should snack on the Atkins Advantage Bar. According to a study done by Steven R. Hertzler and Yeonsoo Kim, Ph.D.s of Nutrition, data showed that insulin levels remained at a constant 100 for those who consumed only chicken at a meal. Those who consumed an Atkins Advantage Bar insulin levels peaked at 200 after one half hour then slowly declined back down to a steady rate with the chicken level. If one were to eat chicken all day they would lose weight but it would not be in a very healthy way. Chicken is all protein and one needs some carbohydrates and fat to remain healthy. Variety is a must have in diets and chicken and only chicken is not good. The high in fat and protein Atkins Advantage Bar comes pretty close to this but still remains healthy because they have a few but not many carbohydrates. This bar goes along with the diet in that high fat and protein help one to lose weight at a constant rate with only a sparingly amount of carbohydrates. A slight increase of insulin levels within the first half hour of intake and then a steady decrease makes the Atkins Advantage Bar closest to chicken in insulin levels.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Meanwhile, the Zone Diet's Balance Bar is just as healthy but does not produce the weight loss results as rapidly due to the increase in carbohydrates. Hertzler and Yeonsoo's study of the effects of eating a balance bar as a meal showed that insulin levels rose to about 350 points after one half hour. This number is much higher than the 200 point peak of insulin levels with the intake of the Atkins Advantage Bar. This number soars above the 100 point consistency that chicken

Belonging Essay

An individual’s interaction with others and the world around them can enrich their feelings of belonging and acceptance, however feelings of insecurity can lead to isolation and rejection limiting the experience of belonging. The concept of belonging is feeling connected to another individual, group, place or object that evokes positive emotions within oneself. In contrast, not belonging leads to feelings of alienation due to a lack of understanding, separation or when forced to embrace unfamiliarity. Through the 1992 film ‘Strictly Ballroom’ directed by Baz Luhrmann, the children’s biography ‘ by Beverley McGregor and the punk rock song ‘Perfect’ by Simple Plan, composers illustrate both concepts of belonging and alienation . Through a range of cinematic and literary techniques these composers show how an individual’s interaction with others and the world around them can enrich and limit their experiences of belonging. Baz Luhrmann through the film ‘Strictly Ballroom’ utilizes costuming to suggest isolation as well as ‘belonging’ and how it can either enrich or limit an individual’s experience. This is highlighted in the first scenes when viewers are introduced, through the mocumentary, to the flamboyancy of characters from the world of ballroom dancing such as Liz in her trademark gaudy canary colored outfits, and Shirley Hasting in her pink ball gowns that are matched to her ornate fuchsia eye shadow and lipstick. In contrast the character of Fran is dressed in a shapeless, oversized t-shirt and a close up of her face shows her naturally troubled skin free from makeup, wearing a large pair of thick-framed glasses. This immediately segregates her from the rest of the competitors and supporters of Ballroom dancing, signifying to the audience that a lack of interaction with others can severely impact on ones sense of belonging. The split screen later in the film where Fran, in normal day clothes dances with Scott and on the other side of the curtain Tina Sparkle dances in her lurid sequined costume, further shows Fran’s alienation from the dancing world. However, the song she and Scott are dancing to is Doris Day’s â€Å"Perhaps†, suggesting that their partnership could possibly work. The shock on Shirley’s face and the use of the children as a Greek chorus ‘Fran.. who’d have thought’ also suggest an acceptance of Fran. This is soon dispelled as Fran trips and a low angle shot of Liz and Shirley as they attend to her and tell her to ‘go home’ reminds the audience who belongs. Shirley and Liz’s perception of ‘belonging’ is enriched through their interaction with each other and their compatibility with the world of ballroom dancing. When Scott is shown by Ricco how to dance the Passo Doble, a close up of his feet in dusty work shoes on bare timber of the floor contrasts with a previous close up of Scott’s feet in shiny shoes on a highly polished floor. However, it is on this rough-hewn timber that Scott finally learns to dance ‘from the heart’ and his experience of belonging is enriched. You introduce costuming here so keep to that – your next paragraph is camera shots so do not confuse the two here. You could talk of costuming and characterization here but do not discuss camera techniques when that is part of your second discussion of the core text. Similarly aspects of belonging and not belonging and how these feelings can enrich or limit an individuals experience are explored in Beverly McGregor children’s biography ‘Pink Balloons’. The protagonist Sky constantly suffers from alienation and rejection from her peers and their parents due to her recent diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. This can be seen through symbolism to express ‘Skye’s’ feelings of isolation, when she says to her carer ‘Do you like my picture, the octopus has nine legs instead of eight, he is crying because he is different to the others†. This shows her feelings of inadequacy due to her inability to interact with the world around her and the limitations she faces in order to become accepted. This can be further expressed through the somber tone of the protagonist Skye as she relays her grief stating to her mother â€Å"Mummy, its bad enough having AIDS without everyone staying away from you because they are scared they can get it too†. Thus Skye’s apparent isolation as can be seen through the discrimination she endures throughout the text, which significantly decreases her chances of interacting with others to enrich her own personal experience of ‘belonging’. Continue here†¦ In contrast, Skye’s experiences of ‘belonging’ are enhanced following her election to vice captain in her class as can be seen through the literary technique of a rhetorical question when Skye states â€Å"they could have picked anybody, but who did they choose? †. This highlights Skye’s ability to feel a part of the world around her as a result of her eventual acceptance in her class, despite the constant stigma attached to her and her contraction of the HIV/AIDS virus. Baz Luhrmann further exhibits belonging and not belonging and its effect on enriching or limiting an individuals experience in ‘Strictly Ballroom’ through the implementation of camera techniques. This can be seen in the split screen where Fran and Scott are caught dancing together behind the crimson colored show curtains. Fran in an ordinary day dress is juxtaposed with Tina Sparkle in her lurid costume and sequins on the other side of the curtains. Scott and Fran dance to the Doris Day song ‘Perhaps’ suggesting they could possibly be dance partners. After Fran falls to the ground and is dragged stage left by Shirley Hastings and Liz to the powder room a low angle point of view shot signifies the alienation of Fran. Fran is seated on a stool and stares up at Mrs. Hastings and Liz showing the obvious superiority Shirleyand Liz feel over Fran. and further highlighted when ‘Liz’ states â€Å"you’re a beginner Fran, what the hell did you think you were doing? † Fran is then left isolated staring up at the huddled group of women representing her separation from the world of ballroom dancing. When Shirley Hastings states, â€Å"I think it will be better if you just went home and forgot about all this nonsense† Fran’s rejection through this scene conveys her inability to enrich her experience of belonging in the world of ballroom dancing. Continue here†¦. In comparison the final dance scene highlights the enrichment of a sense of belonging. This is conveyed through a long shot of the ballroom, which captures the acceptance of Fran and Scotts ‘crowd-pleasing’ steps, when everybody begins to clap with Doug to enable them to continue their dance. Crosscutting between ‘The Pan Pacific Championships’ and Fran’s back yard is also utilized to express the relationship between Fran and Scott and their newfound connection with dancing. Scott no longer dances to win but for the love of the sport and to express the simplicity related to his relationship with Fran. This technique symbolizes that it does not matter where Fran and Scott dance as long as they are dancing together. The implementation of Diagetic sound the ‘Rumba De Burros’ in the concluding scene expresses the concept of belonging and allows the viewers to develop an understanding of the enrichment of ‘Fran nd Scott’ when they are accepted in the world of ballroom dancing just the way they are. Additionally the song ‘Perfect’ by the punk rock band ‘Simple Plan’ displays how isolation can limit an individual’s chance to belong. ‘Perfect’ encapsulates feelings of worthlessness and insecurity as it explores the concept of rejection from the composer’s own father quote needed. The use of repetition as can be seen through the words â€Å"I am sorry, I can’t be perfect†, and highlights how feeling inadequate can segregate an individual from their world. Repetition is effective as it reinforces the deviation of the composer and provides the audience with a clear understanding of the separation between the writer and his father. The reminiscent nature of the lyrics can be seen through the rhetorical question ‘Did you know, you used to be my hero? ’, this engages the listener and alerts them to the change in the relationship while expressing the passionate tone of the song and the eventual acceptance of the turbulent relationship by the protagonist. Colloquial language, â€Å"Hey Dad† appeals to a young audience and invites them to have an insight into the father and son’s personal life to allow them to understand the hurt that is felt by the son in their dysfunctional relationship. Likewise the song writer constantly uses rhetorical questions to address his father and express his feelings of inadequacy such as â€Å"Did I grow up, according to your plan?. Thus it can be understood that due to the rejection experienced by the lyricist at the hands of his father it limits his opportunity to experience a sense of belonging. You need to discuss the music when you talk about a song otherwise you must only talk about it as the lyrics†¦ In conclusion various composers have utilized literary, visual and sound techniques to convey aspects of belonging, and how this can limit or enrich ones reaction to the world around them. Through the analysation of ‘Strictly Ballroom’, ‘Pink Balloons’ and ‘Perfect’ we can enhance our understanding of belonging and different obstacles that prevent an individual from feeling accepted.

Literature Review on Returning Veterans

It is inspiring to read of the magnificent work that nonprofit organizations are doing the length and breadth of this great country to ease the difficulties that so many returning veterans experience. Our servicemen and servicewomen need and deserve the very best we can give them in order to return to take their rightful place as proud citizens of this nation. Too often veterans – the veterans of Vietnam, and now the veterans of Iraq and of Afghanistan – have faced the twin spectres of homelessness and prison. These men and women are true American heroes; they have been deployed to countries far from our own; they have fought for our precious values of freedom and democracy; they have returned, sometimes with shattered limbs and shattered minds, to a nation too eager to forget them and their families. Only now it seems can we see the truly remarkable work of the nonprofit organizations which are doing so much to rebuild lives and minds and careers. The Veteran Affairs Department in Washington should be applauded for finally realizing that the key to help veterans readjust to civilian life and to avoid unemployment, family break up, and, in the worst recession in living memory, debt, is to trust and support the community-based services which are epitomized by the one in Utica, NY. But it needs to do more. Much more. Before it is too late. The failure of Congress to pass a bill that would have given the Veterans’ Association an extra $50 billion to help the problem of homelessness is an insult to our brave, heroic servicemen and women. And it follows that the next Congress must achieve more than its predecessor. For – make no mistake – the returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan will increase in number. These are young men and women who are still in the prime of life, despite the horrors they have witnessed and the brutalities they have seen. They are our future too, if nurtured properly, and given help to rejoin society and become, once again, their better selves, their true American selves, our heroes and heroines. We are happy enough to send them to any corner of the globe where our values need to be defended or promulgated. We share in their triumphs. We must be just as happy to see them return. Happy to give them the help they so desperately need. Anyone who has not been deployed cannot imagine the devastation that modern combat can wreak on the human mind and spirit. The stamina, the desperation, the sheer courage – these qualities can be used well by a society that does the right thing by its heroes. We must learn from programs like the one at Utica. We must pressurize Congress to make more money available to the VA. We must do better. We must do better by our veterans. For them. And for us. And for America.