Consider the following statements regarding natural enzymes: They are ...
Recently, scientists at the Materials Research Centre (MRC), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), have developed a new type of enzyme mimetic called NanoPtA.
- The research team synthesised a platinum-containing nanozyme called NanoPtA, which can be converted into powder form for industrial use.
- How it works?
- When the NanoPtA comes in contact with wastewater, the benzene rings and long alkyl chains present in the molecule form multiple non-covalent interactions.
- Individual NanoPtA molecules connect together to form tape-like structures that start emitting light, which is the origin of its oxidising capacity.
- The nanozyme can then degrade pollutants present in wastewater by oxidising them in the presence of sunlight, thereby reducing the toxicity of wastewater.
- The team found that the nanozyme could degrade even small (micromolar) quantities of common effluents like phenols and dyes within ten minutes when placed under sunlight.
- The researchers also found that the NanoPtA complex was quite stable, lasting for up to 75 days at room temperature.
- Applications: The nanozyme can also have applications in healthcare and could be a potentially useful diagnostic tool for neurological and neurodegenerative diseases.
What are Enzymes?
- These are proteins that catalyse a majority of biological reactions in living systems.
- The practical use of natural enzymes is hindered by inherent limitations such as sensitivity to denaturation (breakdown/damage), complex production procedures, high costs, and difficulties in recycling.
- Mass producing these enzymes is an expensive and time-consuming process.
- Another problem is storage – most of the natural enzymes are temperature-sensitive and require storage at cooler temperatures, often as low as -20°C.
- Nano-sized enzyme mimetics or “nanozymes” manufactured in the lab can mimic such natural enzymes and overcome these practical challenges.
Hence both statements are correct.
Consider the following statements regarding natural enzymes: They are ...
Statement 1: Natural enzymes are proteins which catalyze biological reactions in living systems.
Statement 2: Natural enzymes are temperature-sensitive and required to be stored at cooler temperatures.
Explanation:
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in living organisms. They are typically proteins, although some RNA molecules can also have catalytic activity. Enzymes play a crucial role in various biological processes such as digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication.
Statement 1: Natural enzymes are proteins which catalyze biological reactions in living systems.
This statement is correct. Enzymes are typically proteins that act as catalysts in biological reactions. They lower the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, thereby increasing the rate of the reaction. Enzymes are highly specific in their action and can catalyze a wide range of reactions in living systems.
Statement 2: Natural enzymes are temperature-sensitive and required to be stored at cooler temperatures.
This statement is also correct. Enzymes are sensitive to temperature, and their activity can be influenced by changes in temperature. Enzymes have an optimal temperature at which they exhibit the highest catalytic activity. This optimal temperature varies for different enzymes, but it generally falls within a range of temperatures found in living organisms.
When enzymes are exposed to high temperatures, they can denature or lose their three-dimensional structure, rendering them inactive. Similarly, storing enzymes at temperatures that are too low can also affect their stability and activity. Therefore, enzymes are often stored at cooler temperatures, such as in refrigerators or freezers, to maintain their activity and stability.
Conclusion:
Both statements are correct. Natural enzymes are proteins that catalyze biological reactions in living systems, and they are temperature-sensitive, requiring storage at cooler temperatures to maintain their activity and stability.
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