Uses of Enzymes - Pectinase and fruit juice production

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Natalia Restrepo                                                                                              12/10/04

Uses of Enzymes

Pectinase and fruit juice production

        Pectinase consists of a mixture of enzymes that break down Pectin. It is gel-like and is found in the primary cells of a plant and in the middle lamella (a cementing layer between two plant cells).  Many microorganisms use pectinase to attack plants by breaking down their cell wall that contains pectin and helps the cell wall maintain its structure. Pectinase is used in the production of fruit juice, where they help extract, clarify and modify the juices.                    

                                                                                       

                                                                         Pectinase found in:

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Pectinase is produced during the natural ripening stages of most fruits. Through this process, it helps soften the fruits’ cell walls. The enzyme breaks down pectins which are found in plant cell walls. This increases the yield of juice extracted from the fruits by 20% and only 150 cm3 are needed for a ton of apples. More juice is produced, because during the reaction, pectinase breaks down pectin into smaller molecules. (Pectin is a polysaccharide)This is beneficial for the fruit juice industry because for example, tons of apple juice is ...

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