1. Enzymes and Biotechnology
A biochemical tool box
© 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

2. Enzymes have been used in biotechnology for millennia

3. Enzymes are useful Enzymes are catalysts
Increases productivity and yield
Enzymes are not consumed by the reaction Used over and over again
Enzymes show specificity
Enzymes are sensitive to their environment
Enzymes can be controlled…
by adjusting the temperature, the pH, the substrate concentration or using inhibitors.
© 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

4. Lactase
Used to remove the sugar lactose from milk and other dairy products.
© 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

5. Lactose intolerance Some people are intolerant of lactose in milk
They cannot digest it
The lactose remains in the digestive system and is fermented by bacteria
Nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and diarrhea within 4h of consuming milk products
The treatment includes taking a tablet of lactase enzyme with a meal
The lactase digests the lactose in the food
A special lactose free diet may be necessary.
© 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

6. Lactose intolerance distribution
WHO

8. Source
Lactase enzyme (-galactosidase) extracted from fungi e.g. Aspergillus oryzae
biotech.nikkeibp.co.jp/MUSEUM/images/3_1.gif

9. Reaction Hydrolysis Substrate: Lactose -galactosidase Lactose + H2O
Glucose + Galactose
Hydrolysis
© 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS

10. Advantages Lactose intolerant patients can digest their food
Lactose free products can be prepared for special diets
Lactase is used to hydrolyse lactose in ice cream into glucose and galactose to give it a sweeter flavour.
© 2016 Paul Billiet ODWS