As mentioned earlier most enzymes are proteins and carry out different metabolic functions in the body. They have numerous applications. Some important ones are given below:
Role in Medicines
One of the important applications of enzymes is in disease diagnosis. Alterations in the blood levels of certain enzymes occur during diseased conditions and are listed in Table. Measuring the levels of these enzymes would tell us the health status of a person.
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| Enzymes of clinical importance |
Enzymes also have applications in medical therapy. Streptokinase is an enzyme, which breaks down fibrinogen as well as plasminogen. Plasmin formed fiom the latter helps in dissolving clot. This enzyme is now used to dissolve blood clots in the body to prevent heart ailments.
Industrial Applications
In meat industry, enzymes are used for tenderization, a process that makes muscle tissue soft. Some of these enzymes are fiom plant sources: papain (papaya), ficin (fig), bromelein (pineapple). Bacterial and fungal enzymes are: hydrolase D, protease 15 and rhozyme. Details of tenderization are given else where in this course. In milk industry, rennet, an enzyme obtained from calf intestinal linings, is used for cheese preparation.
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