GCSE CHEMISTRY - Which Enzymes are used in Biological Detergents and Washing Powder? - What are the Advantages of using Enzymes in Biological Detergents?

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Catalysts - Enzymes - Biological Detergents.

Which Enzymes are used in Biological Detergents?

Biological detergents and washing powders use lipases
and proteases to break down fat and protein
molecules from food stains that have remained on clothing.
The fatty acids, glycerol and amino acids that are produced
are removed in the water during the washing process.

What are the
Advantages of using Enzymes in Biological Detergents?

The use of enzymes in detergents has the advantage
that effective washing can be carried out in warm water.

Warm water is preferable to hot water because

1) warm water provides the optimum conditions
for the enzymes to work efficiently.

2) it is more energy efficient
(you don't have to heat the water so much).

3) the dye that is used in coloured clothing
is less likely to wash out of the fabric.

4) clothes are more likely to stay the same shape
(hot water causes some fabric to shrink).

Links Catalysts and Energy Enzymes Revision Questions

gcsescience.com The Periodic Table Index Enzyme Quiz gcsescience.com

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