# Explain how immobilised enzymes differ from free enzymes in their properties and describe two advantages of immobilising enzymes for industrial applications.

> IB DP Biology Higher Level (2023 syllabus) — C1.1 Enzymes and metabolism · Explain · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Immobilised enzymes are attached to / trapped within an insoluble support/matrix (e.g. alginate beads, a membrane, or a solid surface), whereas free enzymes are dissolved in solution.
2. Immobilised enzymes retain their catalytic activity / active site remains functional, but may show slightly altered kinetics (e.g. reduced accessibility to substrate) compared with free enzymes.
3. First industrial advantage: immobilised enzymes can be easily recovered / separated from the product, allowing the enzyme to be reused repeatedly, reducing costs.
4. Second industrial advantage: immobilised enzymes are often more stable (e.g. to heat, pH, or organic solvents) / have a longer operational lifespan than free enzymes under industrial conditions.

## Key terms

- [immobilised enzyme](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/immobilised-enzyme)

## Related

- [Revision notes for IB DP Biology Higher Level (2023 syllabus)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-immobilised-enzymes-differ-from-eb037116) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.