Uses of Enzymes

Question 1

Name 2 ways that enzymes are used in industry.

Answer 1

1. Enzymes are used in biological detergents/ washing powders
2. Enzymes are used in some baby foods

Question 2

Which 2 enzymes are most commonly used in biological detergents/ washing powders?

Answer 2

1. Protease

2. Lipase

Question 3

Why are protease and lipase ideal for biological dteredents/ washing powders?

Answer 3

Protease and lipase break down animal and plat matter, making them ideal for removing stains like food and blood.

Question 4

Name an advantage of using biological detergents as opposed to other types. Why is this useful?

Answer 4

They are more effective at working at low temperatures.

This saves energy and money

Question 5

What do enzymes do to the proteins in baby foods (that use them)? Why is this useful?

Answer 5

They ‘pre-digest’ them.

This makes them easier for babies to digest.

Question 6

What can carbohydrases do (syrups)?

Answer 6

Carbohydrases can be used to turn starch syrup into sugar syrup.

Question 7

What can glucose syrup be turned into? Using what?

Answer 7

Glucose can be turned into fructose syrup using an isomerase enzyme.

Question 8

Why is fructose good for slimming foods and drinks?

Answer 8

Fructose is a sweetener, so you can use less of it.

Question 9

What does using enzymes in industry take a lot of?

Answer 9

Control!

Question 10

Why are enzymes really useful to use in industry?

Answer 10

Enzymes catalyse reactions without the need for high-temperatures or pressures.

Question 11

What are the 4 advantages of using enzymes in industry?

Answer 11

1. Enzymes are specific, so they can only catalyse the reaction you want to happen.
2. Using lower temperatures and pressures means a lower cost as it saves energy.
3. Enzymes work for a long time, so after the initial cost of buying them, you can continually use them- which can save money in the long term.
4. They are biodegradable, therefore causing less environmental pollution.

Question 12

What are the 4 disadvantages of using enzymes in industry?

Answer 12

1. Allergies developing to enzymes (e.g. in bio washing powders)
2. They must be tightly controlled:
   Enzymes can be denatured by tiny increases in temperature.
   Very susceptible to poisons and changes in pH.
   - can be costly or just difficult to manage.
3. Enzymes can be expensive to produce.
4. Contamination of the enzymes with other substances can affect the reaction