Question

Which of the following chemical is not used to isolate enzymes from cell free extract?

(a) Polyethyleneimine

(b) Polyvinylpyrrolidone

(c) EDTA

(d) Magnesium chloride

This question was addressed to me during an interview.

I want to ask this question from Isolation of Enzymes in section Enzyme Extraction and Isolation of Enzyme Technology

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) EDTA

To elaborate: EDTA is a chelating agent which is used to chelate ions which are important for cell wall stability. Hence EDTA is a chemical method to extract enzymes from the cells. Whereas polyethyleneimine, polyvinylpyrrolidone, magnesium chloride etc., are used to isolate enzyme from cell free extract which contains nucleic acids as the major contaminant.