Uses of Enzymes Flashcards
Some [ ] produce enzymes which pass out of their cells and [ ] reactions outside them
microorganisms
catalyse
Which part of biological detergents and washing powders are enzymes? What type of enzymes are they?
They are the biological part. They’re mainly protein-digesting enzymes (proteases) and fat-digesting enzymes (lipases)
What are the advantages of using enzymes in biological detergents?
They break down animal and plant matter, they’re ideal for removing stains like food/blood
Biological detergents are also more effective at working at low temps. (30 ⁰C) than other types of detergents.
What 2 things are enzymes used for?
Biological detergents and changing foods
Describe how proteases are used to change food
The protein in some baby foods are ‘pre-digested’ using protein-digesting enzymes so they’re easier for the baby to digest
Describe how carbohydrases are used to change food
Carbohydrate-digesting enzymes can be used to turn starch syrup into sugar syrup
Describe how isomerase are used to change food
Glucose syrup can be turned into fructose syrup. Fructose is sweeter so you can use less of it.
Why are enzymes useful in industry?
They speed up reactions without the need for high temps and pressures.
What are the advantages of enzymes in industry? (4)
1) They’re specific, so they only catalyse the reaction you want them to
2) Using lower temps. 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 the
4) They are biodegradable and therefore cause less environmental pollution
What are the disadvantages of enzymes in industry? (4)
1) Some people can develop allergies to enzymes
2) Enzymes can be denatured by even a small increase in temp. They’re also susceptible too poisons and changes in pH. This means the conditions in which they work must be tightly controlled
3) Enzymes can be expensive to produce
4) Contamination of the enzyme with other substances can affect the reaction
