Question

Modern detergents contain enzyme preparation of
A) Thermoacidophiles
B) Thermophiles
C) Acidophiles
D) Alkaliphiles

Answer 1

Detergents are chemical substances which are used as cleansing agents. They are water soluble and mix with impurities and dirt particles.

Complete answer:
Detergents are surfactants which have cleaning properties. They normally contain olefin sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, etc.

Option A: Thermoacidophile enzymes are enzymes which can survive in extreme temperatures and acidity. But they are not used in the preparation of detergents. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option B: Thermophiles enzymes are enzymes which can live at extreme high temperatures. They are generally used in the food, paper, textile, etc industry. They are not used in the preparation of detergents. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option C: Acidophiles enzymes are enzymes which can survive in extreme acidic conditions. They are not used in the preparation of detergents. Therefore, this is the incorrect option.
Option D: In modern detergents, enzyme preparation of alkaliphiles is used. The detergents industry is one of the largest consumers of enzymes. It uses nearly 30% of the enzymes produced. The major enzymes used are- alpha amylase, cellulase, and protease. The enzymes used in detergents must have the following characteristics,
They should be cost effective so that the overall cost of production of detergents does not become too high
->They should be safe to use
->They should be easily available
->They should have a good cleansing action in presence of anionic and non-ionic soaps and pH between 8-10.5

Therefore, the correct answer is option ‘D’.

Note: Alkaliphiles are adapted to basic pH values of 9 or higher. Alkaliphiles are also used in the field of biotechnology and future research. Haloalkaliphiles are a type of alkaliphiles which are found in environments like soda deserts and lakes.