Uses of enzymes

Question 1

Which enzymes are used in biological detergents and why?

Answer 1

Proteases and lipases because they’re ideal for removing stains like food or blood.

Question 2

Why might someone choose to use a biological detergent over other types of detergents?

Answer 2

Biological detergents are more effective at working at low temperatures and therefore less energy can be used.

Question 3

How are proteases used in baby food and why?

Answer 3

The proteases pre-digest proteins in baby food to make it easier for the baby to digest.

Question 4

How are carbohydrases used to change foods?

Answer 4

Carbohydrases turn starch syrup into sugar syrup

Question 5

What enzyme is used to turn glucose syrup into fructose syrup?

Answer 5

Isomerase enzyme

Question 6

What are the advantages of using enzymes in industry? (give two)

Answer 6

Any two of the below:

• They’re specific, only catalyse the reaction you want them to
• You can use lower temperatures and pressures which saves energy and costs less
• Enzymes work for a long time
• They’re biodegradable and so cause less environmental pollution

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of using enzymes in industry? (give two)

Answer 7

Any two of the below:

• Some people develop allergies to the enzymes
• Enzymes can be denatured very easily and so must be tightly controlled
• Enzymes are expensive to produce
• Contamination of the enzyme can affect the reaction