Industrial enzymes are proteins used to accelerate chemical reactions in industrial processes, improving efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability.
Name two common industries that use enzymes.
Textile and food industries commonly use enzymes to improve efficiency and product quality.
How do enzymes enhance the paper industry?
Enzymes in the paper industry break down lignin, enhance pulp bleaching, and reduce the need for harsh chemicals.
Why are enzymes preferred over chemical catalysts industrially?
Enzymes are preferred due to their specificity, efficiency, and ability to work under mild conditions without generating hazardous by-products.
What role do enzymes play in the detergent industry?
Enzymes in detergents break down stains and enhance cleaning efficiency, leading to effective stain removal even at lower temperatures.
Explain the term 'biocatalysis' in relation to enzymes.
Biocatalysis refers to the use of natural catalysts, like enzymes, to perform chemical transformations on organic compounds, especially in industrial settings.
What is the role of proteases in the food industry?
Proteases are used in the food industry to break down proteins, aiding in processes like tenderizing meat and cheese-making.
Describe one environmental benefit of using industrial enzymes.
One environmental benefit is the reduction of energy consumption, as enzymes allow processes to occur at lower temperatures and pressures.
What are cellulases, and what is their industrial application?
Cellulases are enzymes that break down cellulose into glucose; they are used in industries like textiles and biofuels.
How have enzymes impacted the dairy industry?
Enzymes like rennet help coagulate milk, improving cheese production efficiency and quality.
What is an example of enzyme specificity in industry?
Lipase enzymes target lipid (fat) molecules specifically, utilized in industries like food and cosmetics for precise reactions.
What are amylases, and where are they used?
Amylases break down starches into sugars and are widely used in food industries, especially in baking and brewing.
How are enzymes used in the biofuel industry?
Enzymes such as cellulases break down biomass into fermentable sugars, facilitating the production of biofuels like ethanol.
How do pectinases assist in the juice extraction process?
Pectinases break down pectin in fruit cell walls, improving juice yield and clarity in the beverage industry.
What is enzyme immobilization, and why is it important industrially?
Enzyme immobilization involves fixing enzymes onto a solid support, enhancing their stability and reuse in industrial processes.