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Questions and Answers
What defines the term 'optimum temperature' for an enzyme?
How does temperature affect enzyme activity?
Which factor can cause enzymes to denature?
What role do enzymes play in the germination of seeds?
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What is the function of the active site on an enzyme?
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How does pH influence enzyme activity?
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What happens to an enzyme when it is denatured?
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Which of the following parameters affects enzyme concentration during a reaction?
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What is the main function of amylase in biological systems?
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Which enzyme is primarily responsible for the breakdown of fats in biological washing powder?
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Why should enzymes not be used on silk, wool, or leather?
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What advantage do enzymes provide in the energy consumption of industrial processes?
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Which enzyme is specifically used to help those with lactose intolerance?
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What role does pectinase play in juice making?
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How does isomerase benefit diabetic patients?
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What is a benefit of using enzymes in food production?
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Study Notes
Biological Catalysts
- Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions without being consumed or changing the product.
- Enzymes are proteins involved in all metabolic reactions.
- The substance an enzyme acts upon is called a substrate.
- Each enzyme has a specific substrate it works on.
Characteristics of Enzymes
- Specificity: Each enzyme catalyzes a specific reaction.
- Temperature Sensitivity: Enzyme activity increases with temperature until an optimal point (around 35°C–40°C).
- pH Sensitivity: Enzyme activity is optimal at a specific pH, with deviations reducing activity.
- Denaturation: Extreme temperatures or pH values can denature enzymes, rendering them inactive.
Enzyme Function
- Active Site: Enzymes have a specific region called the active site where the substrate binds.
Role of Enzymes in Germination
- Seeds contain stored insoluble food with inactive enzymes.
- When water enters a seed in favorable conditions, enzymes become active and break down stored insoluble food into soluble forms.
- The soluble food nourishes the embryo until it develops green leaves for photosynthesis.
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Key enzymes in germination:
- Amylase: Breaks down starch into maltose.
- Proteases: Break down proteins into amino acids.
Role of Enzymes in Biological Washing Powder
- Biological washing powders contain enzymes that break down stain molecules into soluble forms, allowing them to be washed away.
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Key enzymes in washing powders:
- Lipases: Break down fats into fatty acids and glycerol, removing greasy stains.
- Proteases: Break down proteins into amino acids, removing protein stains like blood.
Advantages of Biological Washing Powder
- Economical: No need for boiling, saving energy.
- Gentle on Clothes: Avoids damage caused by boiling and rubbing.
Precautions for Biological Washing Powder
- Not suitable for silk, wool, or leather since they are protein-based and can be damaged by proteases.
- Wash hands after using biological washing powders to avoid enzyme exposure.
Role of Enzymes in the Food Industry
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Pectinase is used in juice making:
- Pectinase acts on pectin, a substance found in plant cell walls.
- Benefits of pectinase in juice production:
- Easier to squeeze juice from fruit.
- Increases juice volume.
- Makes juice clearer.
Role of Enzymes in Making Baby Food
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Proteases are used in making baby foods:
- Break down proteins into smaller polypeptides or amino acids, facilitating digestion.
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Amylase is used to obtain sugar from starch:
- Produces maltose for sweetening purposes.
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Isomerase converts glucose into fructose:
- Fructose is sweeter than glucose, allowing for reduced sugar content in products for diabetics.
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Lactase breaks down lactose in milk:
- Helps individuals with lactose intolerance digest milk.
- Rennin clots milk in the initial stage of cheese making.
Advantages of using Enzymes in Industry
- Energy Efficiency: Enzymes work at low temperatures, saving energy.
- Corrosion Resistance: Enzymes are not corrosive.
- Specificity: Enzymes work on specific substrates, allowing for controlled processes.
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Description
Explore the role of enzymes as biological catalysts in various chemical reactions. This quiz covers enzyme specificity, temperature and pH sensitivity, and the impact of denaturation. Understand how enzymes facilitate metabolic processes and their crucial role in germination.
