Why are enzymes used in washing powders?

Answer 1

Because normal washing powder cannot break down some stains.

For example, an oil stain on a shirt would not go away in the wash.

However, an enzyme called lipase could be added to the washing powder (lipase breaks fat down) and this would break the oil stain down to solube products which would then wash away.

A protein stain would require the use of the enzyme protease which breaks it down to amino acids (a soluble product).

etc.

Using a biological washing powder is also more eco-friendly because it is bio-degradable and because the wash would be at a lower temperature (about 37C) so as not to denature the enzymes (their 3D shape would change and they would no longer be able to work). This saves energy.

However babies' clothes should be washed in non-bio washing powder so that the wash can be at a higher temperature and therefore kill bacteria.

Hope this helps, I'm currently revising for my Biology GCSE. X

Answer 2

enzymes break things down so im guessing to help break dirt an things down ---- Different enzymes are used to digest different types of stains. For instance, lipases get rid of oily stains, cellulase to break down grass stains, and other enzymes to clear blood fro mclothes.

The main advantage of using enzymes in washing powders is environmental. Enzymes work at lower temperatures compared to synthetic substances (40oC compared to 60oC), so less energy is required to heat the water, so fewer carbon dioxide emissions result. enzymes have things called proteases in them which break down proteins

Answer 3

Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions. They work in washing powders by two substrates binding to a specific molecule in this case a stain The binding takes place at the acctive site. When the substrate has finished binding a enzyme substrate complex is formed. The enzyme tenses then weakens the bonds in the substrate because of this the two substrates bind together to make a different molecule. It is that released leaving the enzyme to reform it's natural shape. Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions. They work in washing powders by two substrates binding to a specific molecule in this case a stain The binding takes place at the acctive site. When the substrate has finished binding a enzyme substrate complex is formed. The enzyme tenses then weakens the bonds in the substrate because of this the two substrates bind together to make a different molecule. It is that released leaving the enzyme to reform it's natural shape. Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions. They work in washing powders by two substrates binding to a specific molecule in this case a stain The binding takes place at the acctive site. When the substrate has finished binding a enzyme substrate complex is formed. The enzyme tenses then weakens the bonds in the substrate because of this the two substrates bind together to make a different molecule. It is that released leaving the enzyme to reform it's natural shape.

Answer 4

Certain foods or substances stain clothes very badly. Blood, egg and milk all contain lots of protein. Enzymes are added to modern biological washing powders because they digest these proteins in the substances, removing the stains. They produce less pollution compared to detergents.

Answer 5

the uses of enzymes in washing powders are to get rid of the stains on the cloth

Answer 6

It digests food that get stained in our clothes and thus makes the washing machine process more effective.

Answer 7

To break larger molecules into smaller pieces I'd imagine.