Enzymes at Work: Scenario #1

An important cause of the deterioration in flavor, texture, and

vitamin content of frozen fruits and vegetables during storage

is the action of hydrolytic enzymes released from the vacuoles

of the cells. Blanching prior to freezing improves the keeping

qualities of produce.

How do you suppose blanching works?

Ø deterioration: the process of making worse.

Ø hydrolytic enzymes: proteins that break chemical bonds through

the addition of water.

Ø vacuoles: a cell organelle (structure) that stores water, food,

and nutrients.

Ø Blanching: a quick dip in boiling water

Enzymes at Work: Scenario #2

Some fruits and vegetables turn brown when peeled because they

contain the enzyme catecholase, which catalyzes a reaction

between oxygen and a colorless compound, catechol. The

product of this reaction is benzoquinone, which forms the red

and brown pigments responsible for the browning. When

preparing fruit salads, some cooks sprinkle the sliced fruits

with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.

How might lemon juice act to prevent the browning of fruit?

Ø catalyzes: cause or accelerate a reaction.

Ø pigment: color.

Ø discoloration: the process of changing to a different, less attractive

color.

Enzymes at Work: Scenario #3

Commercial meat tenderizers often contain papain, a

proteolytic enzyme derived from papayas.

How might such products make meat more tender?

Ø Tenderizers: a substance that is rubbed onto meat or used as a marinade to soften the fibers.

Ø Proteolytic enzyme: an enzyme that digests protein

Enzymes at Work: Scenario #4

Meat tenderizers are sometimes used as a home remedy for

treating stings inflicted by the Portuguese Man-of-War.

Based on this information, what class of organic compounds

do you suppose the toxins released by the Portuguese Man-

of-War are from?

Ø inflicted: cause (something unpleasant or

painful) to be suffered by someone or something.

Ø Portuguese Man-of-War: a jellyfish.

Ø organic: made from carbon.

Enzymes at Work: Claim-Evidence-Reasoning Organizer

Group Members:

The Research Question from your Scenario:

Your Claim: (your best answer to the above question)

Your Evidence: (information to support your claim)

Your Justification of the Evidence: (discuss how

your evidence supports your claim)

Group Members: Scenario 1: Scenario 2: Record the research question here:

Record the research question here:

Your claim (your best answer to the question):

Your claim (your best answer to the question):

Use Evidence to Justify your Claim:

Use Evidence to Justify your Claim:

Group Members: Scenario 3: Scenario 4: Record the research question here:

Record the research question here:

Your claim (your best answer to the question):

Your claim (your best answer to the question):

Use Evidence to Justify your Claim:

Use Evidence to Justify your Claim: