# Explain how biological washing powders remove food stains from clothing at low washing temperatures.

> Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) — 21.1 Biotechnology and genetic modification · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Biological washing powders contain enzymes (e.g. proteases, lipases, amylases)
2. The enzymes break down / digest large, insoluble food molecules (e.g. proteins / fats / starch) into smaller, soluble products
3. The smaller, soluble products can be washed out / removed easily in water
4. Enzymes are denatured / stop working at high temperatures, so a low temperature is needed to prevent denaturation / keep the enzymes active

## Key terms

- [biological washing powder](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/biological-washing-powder)

## Related

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-biological-washing-powders-remove-4327de41) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.