1. A simulation to show how some factors affect enzyme reactions.
Lego Polymerase*
A simulation to show how some factors affect enzyme reactions.
* Lego is a registered trade mark

2. Work in groups of three One person plays the role of the enzyme
One person will be the timer
One person will be the recorder (must have photocopy card)

3. The enzyme’s role Your hands are the enzyme active sites.
You must wear a blindfold.
Your task is to polymerize the Lego bricks. i.e. to join the 1x2 bricks together to make stacks.

4. The timer’s role
You must watch the time and signal every 20 seconds for 2 minutes.
Use a stopwatch or timer.

5. The recorder’s role
You record how many blocks the enzyme has joined each 20s.
Calculate the average per minute.
Make a copy of the results for each person in the group.

6. Instructions – control run
Place the 100 1x2 Lego bricks in a bowl. Make sure they are separated.
The enzyme puts on the blindfold.
When the timer says “go” the enzyme starts stacking bricks.
Every 20s, the timer says “time” and the enzyme hands over the stack to the recorder and starts a new stack.
After 2 minutes, stop and record results.

7. Run 2 – reduced temperature
Enzyme places hands in ice water for two minutes.
During this time, others separate all the bricks.
Dry hands, then start experiment immediately.
Repeat procedure as before.

8. Run 3 – diluted substrate
Take the 1x2 bricks apart again.
Add 50 1x3 bricks to the bowl and mix.
Repeat procedure as before. Only 1x2 bricks may be stacked.

9. Run 4 – denatured enzyme Enzyme must put mittens or socks over hands.
Remove the 1x3 bricks and put them back in their bag. Separate the 1x2 bricks.
Repeat procedure as before.

10. Follow-up
Recorder calculates average number of bricks joined per minute for each run.
Make a photocopy of the result sheet for each person in the group.
Each person to answer the questions on the sheet.