Windward Communications
In a recent lab lesson, students in Colin Rose’s AP Biology class investigated the activity of the enzyme peroxidase, using test tubes to monitor the various changes that occurred when the enzyme was at different pH levels.
Then, students ate a protein called miraculin, which alternates between two shapes at different pH levels; one of the shapes is tasteless, and the other shape—which forms in acidic conditions—activates sugar receptors on the tongue. To test the results of this change, students bit into provided lemons. The introduction of the acidic juice caused the miraculin to fold into the shape that tastes sweet, turning the sour fruit into a surprisingly mellow flavor!
