Uses of Enzymes

Question 1

What are enzymes also used in apart from in the body?

Answer 1

To be used in industry e.g. biological detergents and baby food

Question 2

Some microorganisms produce enzymes that can…?

Answer 2

Pass out of their cells

Question 3

What enzymes are biological detergents mainly made up of?

Answer 3

Proteases and lipases

Question 4

What do the enzymes in biological detergents do?

Answer 4

Break down stains

Question 5

Why are biological detergents better than normal detergents?

Answer 5

They work at lower temperatures than ordinary washing powders so this saves money and energy spent on electricity

Question 6

What temperatures do biological detergents work at?

Answer 6

30 degrees celcius

Question 7

What are proteases used to do?

Answer 7

Pre-digest the proteins in baby food so they’re easier for the baby to digest

Question 8

What is carbohydrase used to do in industry?

Answer 8

Turn starch into sugar syrup

Question 9

What is isomerase used to do in industry?

Answer 9

Turn glucose syrup into fructose syrup

Question 10

Why is glucose turned into fructose syrup?

Answer 10

Because fructose is sweeter so less of it is needed in foods so it is used in weight loss foods

Question 11

In general, what are enzymes used to do in industry?

Answer 11

Bring about reactions at normal temperatures and pressures

Question 12

What are the four advantages of using enzymes in industry?

Answer 12

They work at lower temperatures and pressures so this means a lower cost and saves energy, they are biodegradable so cause less pollution, they are very effective at removing stains such as blood, grass and gravy, and they’re specific so they only catalyse the reaction you want them to

Question 13

What are the four disadvantages of using enzymes in industry?

Answer 13

Some enzymes are expensive to produce, they denature at high temperatures needed to kill pathogens, some people may develop allergies to them, and some fabrics like wool may be digested by proteases