Final answer:
The rate of the reaction between tyrosinase and DOPA, creating dopachrome, is monitored by measuring a change in color. The reaction's progress can be observed through this distinct color change, which is tied to the concentration of dopachrome produced.
Step-by-step explanation:
To monitor the rate of the reaction between tyrosinase and DOPA, which creates dopachrome, you would measure a change in color. This is because as dopachrome forms, it imparts a distinctive color change that can be quantitatively measured. In experiments like these, the rate of reaction is often determined by monitoring some property that reflects the concentration of either reactants or products over time.
It's important to note, as described in AP Biology Investigation 13, that the rates of enzymatic reactions are influenced by environmental variables like temperature and pH. However, outside the optimal range, both extreme temperatures and pH levels can cause enzymes to denature, leading to a loss of structure and function. These elements highlight the sensitivity of enzymes to their environment and provide a window into observing changes in the reaction, as color changes are linked to the concentration of a colored substance.