Methods of immobilising enzymes

Question 1

List 3 examples of immobilising enzymes

Answer 1

Immobilised enzymes may be:

1. Attached to each other
2. Attached to insoluble supports
3. Enclosed within a membrane or gel

Question 2

Define immobilised enzymes

Answer 2

Immobilised enzymes are enzymes that are attached, or fixed, to each other, or to an inert material.

Question 3

What does adsorption mean?

Answer 3

It means that the enzymes are physically attached to inactive (or inert) supports such as glass beads, ceramics, cellulose, particles or artificial polymers.

Question 4

What is commonly used as a gel for enzymes attached to gels?

Answer 4

sodium alginate

Question 5

What are 4 advantages of immobilised enzymes?

Answer 5

1. They can be reused.
2. They remain in the reaction vessel at the end of the process so the product does not need to be separated from the enzyme.
3. The process of immobilising an enzyme increases its stability
4. The production process is cheaper than if free enzymes are used.