Question

In ________ treatment, produced basic radicals mediate a nucleophilic attack on compounds of cell wall on membrane leading to destabilization and fragmentation of membrane followed by release of enzymes.

(a) EDTA

(b) Osmotic shock

(c) Alkali

(d) Detergent

I had been asked this question in homework.

I would like to ask this question from Extraction of Enzymes by Chemical Methods in portion Enzyme Extraction and Isolation of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

The correct option is (c) Alkali

For explanation I would say: In alkali treatment, Alkalis produce basic radical which mediate a nucleophilic attack on compounds of cell wall or cell membrane which leads to destabilization of membrane, followed by membrane fragmentation. This allows leakage of cytoplasm which has enzyme of interest. Care has to be taken about alkalinity of the solution as enzyme may get denaturated at high pH.