Enzymes in washing powders

 An enzymes is a protein that functions as a biological catalysts, it changes the rate of chemical reactions like anabolic reactions, a reaction that builds up complex compounds from simple ones like photosynthesis and catabolic reaction, a reaction that breaks down complex compounds into simple ones example, digestion of foods.

An enzyme has a specific region called the active site whereby only one specific substrate molecule with the right shape can bind. When an enzyme and this substrate molecule bind, they form an enzyme-substrate complex.

Enzymes activities are affected by factors such as temperature and PH levels.

Biological washing powders contains enzymes which break down insoluble proteins, fats and starch stains that cannot be removed by detergents alone. Once broken down, the stains dissappears because the smaller molecules that result from the enzyme actions are soluble and can be washed away easily.

Protein stains like blood haemoglobin are digested by protease enzymes into soluble amino acids. Fat stains are digested by lipase enzymes into soluble fatty acids and glycerol. Amylase digest starch stains into soluble sugars.

The following picture is a washing powder containing enzymes