C.7.7

=Describe the uses of enzymes in biotechnology.=

Enzymes are biological **catalysts**, which are substances that **increase the rates of the biochemical reactions**, whether it is breaking things down (catabolic reaction) or building things up (anabolic reaction). Like inorganic catalysts, enzymes also **remain unchanged** at the end of the reaction, so they can be reused. Only small amount of enzymes can catalyse a large amount of reactant.

Enzymes have been useful in different areas of biotechnology as they facilitate thousands of chemical reactions that otherwise could not occur. Some examples of enzymes being used in biotechnology:
 * //Bread, beer and wine making//. Enzymes within yeast catalyse anaerobic respiration, which converts glucose solution into ethanol (alcohol) and carbon dioxide. This reaction is called **fermentation**.
 * //Vinegar making//. Enzymes found in bacteria are used to change ethanol (alcohol) and oxygen into a solution of ethanoic acid, or vinegar.
 * //Detergent making//. Enzymes such as proteases and lipases help break down proteins and lipids respectively, when used with detergents. This would help remove troublesome stains, such as grass stains and grease stains.
 * //Yoghurt making//. Yoghurt is made when milk is mixed with suitable bacteria. It is the enzymes in the bacteria that change the milk into yoghurt.
 * //Cheese making//. Warm milk is mixed with a small amount of the enzyme rennin and allowed to react for several hours. This turns the milk solid. A number of other processes are needed before this solid is eventually made into cheese.
 * //Soda drinks and candy making//. Glucose isomerase is used to convert glucose into fructose. Scientists have been able to isolate this enzyme glucose isomerase, and have applied it to produce high fructose syrup from glucose. Fructose is a very sweet natural sugar.
 * //Treatment for heart attack//. The use of the enzyme streptokinase to increase the break down of blood clots. Streptokinase is used for the treatment of heart attacks. Blood clots that appear in arteries, lungs and other parts of the body, blocking blood flow, are dissolved by streptokinase.
 * Treatment for //lactose intolerance//. The enzyme lactase is put into pills for ingestion and temporary relief from symptoms of //lactose intolerance.//