Reaction profile diagrams and bombardier beetles | 14–16 years

Draw energy profile diagrams and explore the differences between catalysed and uncatalysed reactions in the context of the defence mechanism of this super bug

The explosive reaction that occurs in the abdomen of the bombardier beetle is a catalysed exothermic reaction. Draw energy profile diagrams and explore the differences between catalysed and uncatalysed reactions in the context of the defence mechanism of this super bug.

Download a student sheet, containing an article excerpt and associated questions relating to energy profile diagrams for catalysed and uncatalysed reactions. A standard and a scaffolded version of the student sheet are included, alongside notes and answers for teachers.

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