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: They are proteins which catalyse biological reactions in living systems.
Statement 2: They are temperature-sensitive and required to be stored at cooler temperatures.
Explanation:
Statement 1: They are proteins which catalyse biological reactions in living systems.
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 work by lowering the activation energy required for a reaction to occur, thereby increasing the rate of the reaction. They are highly specific, meaning that each enzyme catalyzes a specific reaction or set of reactions.
Statement 2: They are temperature-sensitive and required to be stored at cooler temperatures.
Enzymes are sensitive to temperature, and their activity can be affected by changes in temperature. Most enzymes have an optimal temperature at which they function best, and deviations from this temperature can decrease their activity. Generally, enzymes become less active as the temperature decreases, and they can denature or lose their structure and function at high temperatures.
To preserve the activity of enzymes, they are often stored at cooler temperatures, typically in refrigerators or freezers. This helps to slow down the rate of enzyme degradation and maintain their stability. However, it is important to note that the temperature requirements for enzyme storage can vary depending on the specific enzyme and its source.
Conclusion:
Both statements 1 and 2 are correct. 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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