Modern detergents contain enzyme preparations of
- thermoacidophiles
- thermophiles
- acidophiles
- alkaliphiles
Answer
(4) alkaliphiles
Solution
Washing with detergents takes place in an alkaline medium (soaps and detergents make the wash water alkaline).
⇒ The enzymes added to detergents (proteases, lipases, amylases) must remain active at high pH.
∴ These enzymes are obtained from alkaliphiles, microbes that grow best at high pH.
As per NCERT, lipases are used in detergent formulations and are helpful in removing oily stains from the laundry.
Answer: (4)