Cellular Biology Furthers Technology
The biotechnology revolution has had a dramatic effect on our lives – in ways that may not seem obvious.
For example, forensic technology, pharmaceutical production, and food production have all been
revolutionized by biotechnology. However, it could be argued that this revolution has not yet run its
course. There remain many important and exciting applications of our growing knowledge of cell
processes.
In this activity, you will use your knowledge of cell processes and research to understand the applications
of cell biology and enzyme function to the food, medical, and pharmaceutical industries.
Enzyme Applications in Industry
In this assignment you will research the application of enzymes in industry. Choose from one of the
topics below (or come to your teacher with another idea) and write a one page report on the use of the
enzyme to enhance the industry.
Topics
1. Enzymes have been used in the dairy
industry for years, in particular for the
process of making cheese through milk
coagulation.
2. A large industrial user of enzymes is the
starch processing industry. Enzymes are
used to convert starches into glucose
syrups. These syrups are used as
sweeteners in foods and candy.
3. The dairy industry uses enzymes to
breakdown lactose in milk, especially for
those who suffer from lactose intolerance.
4. Lipases are also used in making cheese.
5. Production of wine and beer is possible due
to the enzymes in yeast and bacteria.
6. Enzymes are now used in the cleaning
industry to remove stains. Their action
allows clothes with tough stains to be
cleaned at lower temperatures.
7. Enzymes have been used in the leather
industry for years to soften hides and clean
them.
8. The pulp and paper industry uses enzymes
to enhance bleaching and “de-ink” pulp.
9. The textile industry uses enzymes in stone
washing and the softening of cotton.
10. Enzymes are used in the production of
bioethanol.
11. Enzymes are used as meat tenderizers.
12. Enzymes are now used to make drugs and
control reaction rates in pharmaceutical
reactions.
13. Enzymes are used as pharmaceutical
supplements to treat digestive system
disorders such as celiac disease and lactose
intolerance.
14. Enzymes as food supplements to promote
health.
15. Enzymes can be used to promote the
development of biodegradable plastics.
16. Enzymes are found in some baby foods to
pre-digest them.
17. Fruit juices look so clear because of the
enzymes that are used.
18. Contact lens cleaning solutions contain
enzymes.
19. Enzymes are used in the production of
rubber.
20. In the photography industry, enzymes are
used to recycle materials from waste film.
Assignment

Explain in detail the enzymes involved, the reactions catalyzed, and the improvement in the end
product.

Discuss why they are being used – more efficient, higher yields, less waste?

What was used before enzymes, if anything?

Discuss the risks, especially to living systems and to the environment.

Discuss the impact of the process on society.

The end of your paper should include your opinion or concerns on this bio-application.

Important: Use APA format to cite all your research sources properly, including in-text or
parenthetical references within paragraphs (author, year) and a works cited list at the end of your
paper.
Rubric
Categories
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
(50 - 59%)
(60 - 69%)
(70 - 79%)
(80 - 100%)
Knowledge and
Understanding
-correctly uses the
scientific
terminology BC2.01
-demonstrates
correct use of
scientific
terminology with
limited success
-demonstrates
correct use of
scientific terminology
with some success
-demonstrates
correct use of
scientific terminology
with considerable
success
-demonstrates
correct use of
scientific terminology
with a high degree of
success
Thinking
-demonstrates
understanding of the
importance of
enzymes in relation
to the industry
SI1.09, BC1.01
-demonstrates
understanding of
the importance of
enzymes in
relation to the
industry with
limited success
-demonstrates
understanding of the
importance of
enzymes in relation
to the industry with
some success
-demonstrates
understanding of the
importance of
enzymes in relation
to the industry with
considerable success
-demonstrates
understanding of the
importance of
enzymes in relation
to the industry with a
high degree of
success
Application
-demonstrates
understanding of the
importance of
enzymes on
Canadian society
BC1.01
-understanding
shows limited
insight
-understanding
shows some insight
-understanding
shows considerable
insight (considers
social, economic,
health, and/or
environmental
impacts)
-understanding
shows a high degree
of insight
Communication
-effectively
communicates ideas
and uses
conventions of
writing (reporting)
SI1.11
-communicates
with limited clarity
-communicates with
some clarity
-communicates with
considerable clarity
(very few spelling or
grammar errors;
paper is wellorganized and flows
easily and logically;
references are cited
properly)
-communicates with
a high degree of
clarity
Note: A student whose achievement is below Level 1 (50%) has not met the expectations for this assignment or
activity.