Problem: In another catalase experiment, I was in charge of adding the substrate and Bruno was in charge of adding the enzyme catalase. I added the substrate and then went to wash my hands while Bruno added in the enzyme. We didn't see nearly the amount of bubbles we expected to see. It was upsetting. Bruno finally admitted that he accidentally added a few drops of hydrochloric acid before he realized his mistake and quickly switched to adding the enzyme.
1) What chemical property did the acid affect in our reaction mixture?
2) How would this have affected our reaction? Be specific - how does this property affect enzyme reactions?