Investigation: Investigating how biological washing powders workAim:To test how enzymes in biological washing powders workApparatus:- two soft boiled eggs (hard boiled eggs contain denatured proteins that do not cause
stains) - two beakers
- biological washing powder (with enzymes)
- non-biological washing powder (older type of washing powder)
- water
- two measuring spoons
Method:- Label 3 beakers ’Bio’, ’Non-Bio’ and ’control’ which will contain biological washing
powder, non-biological washing powder and water (negative control) respectively. - In the beaker labelled ’Bio’ dissolve 5 g of biological washing powder in 30 ml water.
- In the beaker labelled ’Non-Bio’ dissolve 5 g of non-biological washing powder in
30 ml water. - Pour 30 ml of tap water into the control beaker.
- Scoop out a small amount of egg yolk.
- Place a teaspoon with the egg yolk in each of the beakers.
- Leave the spoons in the beakers for 1 to 2 hours.
- Observe your results.
Results:- Write down your observations.
- Suggest a reason for your observations.
- Write a conclusion for the investigation.
Enzymes in everyday lifeThe properties of enzymes to control reactions have been widely used for commercial pur-
poses. Examples of some of these uses are listed below:- Biological washing powderscontain enzymes such as lipases (breaks down lipids)
and proteases (breaks down protein), which assist in the breakdown of stains caused
by foods, blood, fat or grease. These biological washing powders save energy as they
are effective at low temperatures. - Meat tenderiserscontain enzymes which are obtained from fruits such as papaya or
pineapple. When used in meat tenderisers these enzymes soften the meat. - Lactose-free milkis manufactured primarily for people who are lactose intolerant. Lac-
tose intolerant individuals lack the enzyme lactase that digests lactose (milk sugar).
44 2.4. Organic compounds