Applications of Enzymes

Question 1

Enzyme Lactase

Answer 1

• Used to breakdown lactose molecules
• Lots of people do not produce enough lactase therefore lactose is not digested or absorbed properly (lactose intolerance)

Question 2

Why do people feel sick when they don’t produce enough lactase and consume lactose?

Answer 2

• Because the lactose is consumed by bacteria in the gut
• Causes symptoms like nausea, cramps, and abdominal bloating

Question 3

How is the enzyme chymosin used

Answer 3

• In the cheese making industry

Question 4

How to make cheese: step 1

Answer 4

• Bacteria are added to milk to aid the curdling process

Question 5

How to make cheese: step 2

Answer 5

• The bacteria feed on the milk and produce lactic acid as a waste product
• As the lactic acid is produced, the pH of milk is lowered and the milk proteins begin to denature

Question 6

How to make cheese: step 3

Answer 6

• The enzyme chymosin is added to hydrolyze the milk protein casein
• The hydrolysis of casein causes the milk to coagulate into semisolid cheese curds