Compare7 marksChallenge
A student investigates the effect of pH on the activity of the enzyme xylanase from a soil bacterium. The enzyme is assayed either in free solution or immobilised in calcium alginate beads. Buffer solutions are used to maintain each pH. The initial rate of product formation is measured at 30°C. The results are shown as a percentage of the maximum rate achieved by the free enzyme.
| pH | Free xylanase relative activity (%) | Immobilised xylanase relative activity (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | 10 | 40 |
| 5 | 60 | 85 |
| 6 | 100 | 95 |
| 7 | 70 | 90 |
| 8 | 15 | 45 |
Compare the effect of pH on the activity of the free and immobilised xylanase. Explain the differences in activity and state two advantages of using immobilised xylanase in industrial processes.