Which group of enzymes are used in detergent formulation and are helpful in removing oily stains from the laundary

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Oily Stains**: Oily stains on laundry are primarily composed of lipids, which are organic compounds that include fats and oils.

2. **Composition of Lipids**: The simplest form of lipid is triglyceride, which is made up of one glycerol molecule and three fatty acids.

3. **Structure of Triglycerides**: In a triglyceride, the glycerol is connected to the fatty acids through ester bonds. This connection occurs when glycerol and fatty acids combine and release water molecules.

4. **Role of Enzymes**: To effectively remove oily stains, specific enzymes are needed to break down these lipids. The enzymes that perform this function are known as lipases.

5. **Function of Lipases**: Lipases catalyze the hydrolysis of the ester bonds in triglycerides, breaking them down into glycerol and free fatty acids. This process helps in the removal of oily stains during laundry.

6. **Application in Detergents**: Detergents are formulated with lipases to enhance their ability to remove oily stains. When detergent containing lipases is used during washing, these enzymes break down the lipids, allowing them to be washed away with water.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the group of enzymes used in detergent formulation that are helpful in removing oily stains from laundry are called lipases.

---