Making Use of Enzymes

This lesson covers:

  1. How enzymes are used in important commercial processes

Enzymes can be used to speed up many processes


As you have learned, enzymes are biological molecules that catalyse chemical reactions in living organisms. However, enzymes can also be extracted from cells, and used to catalyse a wide range of commercially important processes. This makes the process faster or easier to carry out, and therefore cheaper.

Pectinase - used in the production of fruit juice

Illustration showing the use of pectinase enzyme to clarify apple juice.

Pectinase breaks down pectin, a complex polysaccharide present in the cell walls of fruit cells. This improves the process in a few different ways:

  • Increases the overall juice yield.
  • Allows the extraction of clear and pure fruit juices.
  • Helps maintain the natural flavours and colours of the juice, resulting in a better final product.

Enzymes used in biological washing powders

Diagram showing amylase breaking down starch-based stains on fabric, resulting in easily washed away starch.

Enzymes are also used in the washing powders we use to clean our clothes. The enzymes break down the substances that are staining the fabric, and multiple types of enzymes are combined together in order to remove a range of substances:


  1. Proteases are used to break downs stains from proteins.
  2. Lipases are used to break down marks made by lipids (fats and oils).
  3. Amylases are used to break down starch-based stains.

Pros and cons of biological washing powders:

PRO - Biological detergents are more effective than non-biological detergents at cleaning at lower temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

CON - However, some people find that the enzymes in bio washing powder can irritate their skin.

Lactase in lactose-free milk

Diagram showing lactase breaking down lactose into glucose and galactose.

Lactase is used to break down lactose, a sugar present in milk, into its component simple sugars, glucose and galactose.


The breakdown of lactose makes milk lactose-free, suitable for individuals with lactose intolerance. Lactose-free milk provides an alternative for those who cannot digest regular milk.

What is the primary function of pectinase in food processing?

Increasing sugar content in fruits

Enhancing the sweetness of fruits

Stimulating fruit growth

Breaking down pectin in cell walls

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Lactase is an enzyme used for:

Fermenting yoghurt

Preserving milk freshness

Breaking down lactose in milk

Enhancing the flavour of cheese

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In the context of laundry, what is the main purpose of enzymes in bio detergents?

Breaking down the staining substances

Adding fragrance to clothes

Softening fabric texture

Improving colour retention in clothes

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How does lactase contribute to lactose-free milk production?

By enhancing milk's protein content

By preserving lactose in its original form

By increasing lactose concentration

By breaking down lactose into simpler sugars

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Which of the following is a valid statement about biological detergents?

Biological detergents are more abrasive on fabrics

Biological detergents have stronger fragrances

Biological detergents contain enzymes

Biological detergents use more water

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