Biology (ordinary level) question

houndsoflove

Hey guys, trying to find the answer to this question:

Suggest one reason why enzymes are not found in body soap or shampoo.

This was question 15 (c) 2010 exam.

Cheers

The Shtig

Enzymes are organic catalysts?

I'm not sure if this is correct though

Scuid Mhór

Why would enzymes need to be in body soap/shampoo in the first place? Wouldn't the ingredients in the products work fine without them?

houndsoflove

I just wrote

Enzymes are organic catalysts and are made in living cells.

Soap and shampoo is a detergent and not living.

I will know tomorrow

rascalini

I think this may be related to biological detergents: basically some clothes washing detergents have enzymes added (these are called biological detergents, those without are called Non-biological or non-bio)...

anyway, these enzymes are added in order to aid the break down of 'dirt' on clothes which would include include components like protein, fat and starch (carbohydrates) etc..

The reason soap wouldn't have these is because adding these enzymes to our hair or skin would break down these components, which we need to help keep us healthy! Furthermore it can lead to skin irritation which some people experience from wearing clothes washed in biological detergents!


This is just my tuppence worth!!

njd2010

Enzymes work over a particular temperature range, maybe they wouldn't work in shower detergents because the temperature of water showers varies? Just a thought. it's a weird question.