Uses of Enzymes

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Enzymes are Used in Biological Detergents

Enzymes are the 'biological' ingredients in biological washing powders and detergents.

They are maily protein digesting enzymes and fat digesting enzymes.

Because the enzymes break down animal and plant matter they are ideal for removing stains like food or blood.

They are also effective at working at lower temperatures than other detergents.

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Enzymes are Used to CHange Foods

The proteins in some baby food are pre-digested by enzymes so they are easier for the baby to digest.

Carbohydrate-digesting enzymes can be used to turn starch syrup into sugar syrup.

Glucose syrup can be turned into fructose syrup using an isomerase enzyme. Fructose is sweeter so you can use less of it this means that it is good for slimming foods and drinks.

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Advantages of Using Enzymes in Industry

  • They're specific so they only catalyse the reaction that you want them to.
  • Using lower temperature and pressures menas a lower cost and save energy as well.
  • Enzymes work for a long time, so after the initial cost of buying them you can continually use them.
  • They are biodegradable and therefore cause less environmental pollution.
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Disadvantages of Enzymes in Industry

  • Some poeple develop allergies to the enzymes.
  • They can be denatured by even a small increase in temperature. They're also susceptible to poisons and changes in pH. This means that the conditions in which they work in must be tightly controlled.
  • Enzymes can be expensive to produce.
  • Contamination of the enzyme with other substances can affect the reaction.
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