You are studying enzymes in biology class. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is produced as a byproduct of respiration. Hydrogen peroxide is harmful to cells and must be continually broken down. Catalase is an enzyme found in living cells that speeds up the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen (2 H2O2 → 2 H2O + O2). You are working with your lab group to investigate what factors influence the rate of the peroxide reaction. Your lab group is provided with liver samples as a source of catalase, as well as 3% hydrogen peroxide.
You have learned in class that changing the pH or temperature of the environment can denature an enzyme. When an enzyme is denatured, it's shape changes, preventing it from forming an enzyme-substrate complex and slowing the reaction or even causing it to stop. Your group is curious about what might denature catalase. What would be the most appropriate hypothesis to use if you wanted to test conditions that could denature catalase?