Question

Subtilisin is used in some laundry detergents to help remove protein-type stains. what unusual kind of stability does this suggest for subtilisin?

Answer 1

Out of the following given choices;

a) The enzyme must be stable to very high pressures.

 

b) The enzyme must be stable in the presence of hydrogen.

 

c) The enzyme must be stable both in the presence of detergents and to high pressures.

 

d) The enzyme must be stable both in the presence of detergents and to moderately high temperatures.

 

The answer is D. Subtilisin is a non-specific protease enzyme hence its use to remove protein stains. For its to be used with detergents it has to be stable in the presence of detergents. Since detergents work optimally in moderately high temperatures, Subtilisin must also be stable at the same temperatures.