Question

In immobilization of enzymes, the term "carrier" refers to

• A. The substrate of the enzyme
• B. The support material for enzyme attachment
• C. The product of enzyme catalysis
• D. The cofactor of the enzyme

Hint:

• Enzyme immobilization restricts enzyme mobility while retaining activity.
• Advantages: Enzyme reuse, easier product separation, improved stability.
• "Carrier" or "support" is the insoluble matrix or material to which the enzyme is bound or within which it is entrapped/encapsulated.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In the field of biotechnology, particularly in the immobilization of enzymes, various terms relate to the process of binding enzymes to solid supports. Here we address the role of a "carrier."

Immobilization of enzymes involves attaching enzymes to a support material, which is crucial for maintaining enzyme stability, reusability, and efficient catalysis. Let's break down what a carrier is in this context:

The term "carrier" specifically refers to the support material for enzyme attachment. This material allows the enzyme to be anchored securely, facilitating repeated use and offering an alternative to solutions where enzymes might degrade or be washed away.

The role of the carrier is not to interact epistemologically with the active site of the enzyme, such as substrates or cofactors would; instead, it provides a practical foundation, literally and figuratively, for enzyme-based processes to occur efficiently and consistently.

In this multiple-choice question:

• The substrate of the enzyme: Incorrect, as substrates are molecules upon which enzymes act.
• The support material for enzyme attachment: Correct, as it describes the role of the carrier within enzyme immobilization.
• The product of enzyme catalysis: Incorrect, as products are outcomes of catalytic reactions.
• The cofactor of the enzyme: Incorrect, as cofactors are non-protein molecules that assist enzyme action, not carriers.

 

Thus, the carrier in enzyme immobilization is indeed the support material for enzyme attachment.