Immobilised enzymes are sometimes used in bioreactors - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 7 - 2005
Question 7
Immobilised enzymes are sometimes used in bioreactors.
(a)
(i) What is a bioreactor?
(ii) State one advantage of using an immobilised enzyme in a bioreactor.
... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Immobilised enzymes are sometimes used in bioreactors - Leaving Cert Biology - Question 7 - 2005
Step 1
What is a bioreactor?
96%
114 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
A bioreactor is a vessel or container designed for the growth of organisms, often used for chemical reactions involving biological materials. Examples include fermentation tanks or industrial vats.
Step 2
State one advantage of using an immobilised enzyme in a bioreactor.
99%
104 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
One advantage of using an immobilised enzyme is that it can be easily recovered and reused, which increases the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the process.
Step 3
Name the enzyme that you used.
96%
101 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The enzyme I used is yeast.
Step 4
Draw a labelled diagram of the apparatus that you used to immobilise the enzyme.
98%
120 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
The diagram should include key components like a beaker, a syringe, and a stirrer, with one label indicating the key action or component such as 'sodium alginate mixture.'
Step 5
Describe how you used this apparatus to immobilise the enzyme. In your answer name the solutions that you used and explain their purpose.
97%
117 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
To immobilise the enzyme, I mixed sodium alginate with the yeast and then used the syringe to create beads by dripping the mixture into calcium chloride solution. The calcium chloride helps in forming solid beads that trap the enzymes, allowing for their easy recovery and reuse.
Step 6
Describe briefly how you used the immobilised enzyme.
97%
121 rated
Only available for registered users.
Sign up now to view full answer, or log in if you already have an account!
Answer
I used the immobilised enzyme by added substrate to the mixture, allowing the enzyme to catalyze the reaction while remaining immobilised in the beads. This method enabled the continuous conversion of substrates into products over a prolonged period.
Join the Leaving Cert students using SimpleStudy...
