Final answer:
To find the rate of amylase enzyme activity, the average time taken for starch to glucose conversion in five tests is calculated and inverted. The average time is 117.6 seconds, which gives a rate of approximately 0.0085 s⁻¹. Amylase is important for starch digestion, producing glucose as an energy source.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the rate of amylase enzyme activity for the breakdown of a 10% starch solution into glucose at 37°C, we can use the data provided from the five tests. Rate of enzyme activity can be determined by calculating the amount of substrate (starch) broken down per unit time, often given in seconds. In this case, we assume the breakdown of the entire starch solution represents the completion of the reaction. As no specific amount of starch is provided, we will use the inverse of the average time taken for the reaction to calculate the rate. First, we calculate the average time from the five tests: (120 + 125 + 110 + 115 + 118) ÷ 5 = 117.6 seconds. Then, the inverse gives us the rate: 1 ÷ 117.6 seconds. The rate of amylase activity would therefore be approximately 0.0085 s⁻¹.
Understanding the role of amylase is fundamental in biology. Amylase catalyzes the hydrolysis of starch into smaller carbohydrates like dextrins and maltose, and further into glucose. Glucose is a vital energy source for the body, and the efficient function of enzymes like amylase is essential for proper digestion and metabolism.