Dissolving Eggs – The Power of Enzymes

Introduction: Some of the hardest stains to remove from clothes are long molecules such as proteins and fats that

have dried. The problem is that these long molecules become tangled together, and are very hard to dissolve and remove from clothing fibers. Laundry detergent manufacturers address this problem by adding enzymes to the powder.

Enzymes are biological catalysts that help chemical reactions occur much faster and more easily without being used as part of the reaction. At the end of the reaction, the catalyst remains the same. Many laundry detergents consist of a variety of enzymes which catalyze the break-up of fats, starches and proteins. In this reaction, you will use egg whites, which are made of proteins.

Objective: In this experiment, you will examine the effects of enzymes on proteins (eggs) by observing the reaction between Enzyme Laundry Detergent and Non-Enzyme Laundry Detergent. Question: What effect do enzymes have on proteins? State your hypothesis.

Materials: Water Metric ruler 3 small glass jars 1 hard-boiled egg; use only the white 2 tablespoons of Enzyme Laundry Detergent (powdered or liquid)* 2 tablespoons of Non-Enzyme Laundry Detergent (powdered or liquid)* *see last page for some brands

Procedure: 1. Fill each glass jar with water. 2. Add 2 tablespoons of Enzyme Laundry Detergent to the first jar, and stir until it dissolves. 3. Add 2 tablespoons of Non-Enzyme Laundry Detergent to the second jar, and stir until it dissolves. 4. Use the third jar as your control. (no laundry detergent) 5. Cut the egg white into 5mm slices. Take pictures of the egg slices. 6. Put 1 slice into each jar and let them sit for 2 days at 40 degrees Celsius (or the warmest place in your

house- note the temperature and discuss how this may affect your results in Analysis Question 5). 7. Is there any difference in the slices of egg? Record your observations in your data chart. Take pictures

of each egg slice.

Data Chart: Laundry Detergent Observations

Enzyme Brand:

Non-Enzyme Brand:

Control (water)

Analysis Questions: 1. List the active ingredients in each type of washing powder. 2. What is the function/role of an enzyme? 3. Which washing powder would be most effective at dissolving and removing stains? Explain. 4. Are all washing powders the same? How are they different? Explain. 5. State your conclusion.

Brands of Laundry Detergents

Note: If you have a different brand, check the ingredients if you are not sure, it will say if it contains enzymes.

Enzyme Detergents Non Enzyme Detergents Arm and Hammer Oxyclean Purex triple action Arm and Hammer Essentials Tide Coldwater (powder) Tide Original All Seventh Generation products Tide Pure Essential All Free and Clear Tide Stain release All with Stain releasers Ace Wisk