What is an enzyme and how does it aid in digestion
by the bacteria?
An enzyme is a chemical catalyst that breaks up long, complex
waste molecules into smaller, simpler pieces. The smaller, broken
up pieces can then be digested directly by the bacteria.
Enzymes are not living things, and they cannot grow or reproduce
themselves. They are chemicals that are manufactured and used
by bacteria in order to digest waste. When added to the organic
waste, enzymes immediately go to work breaking down the waste.
The bacteria are able to consume these fragments immediately,
so they now have a plentiful supply of prepared food waiting
for them. The growing bacteria will then start to reproduce and
generate their own enzymes, thus keeping the cycle going.
A microorganism’s genetic code is like a computer program which
allows it to produce enzymes. These microorganisms are capable of
determining what organic soils are present in an environment. If
their computer program allows, they can produce specific enzymes
to break down those organics. It is important to have quality
microorganisms with codes for a wide range of capabilities.
Products with the right microorganism can degrade materials
that cause soils to adhere making surfactants more effective
in removing them. Once surfactants have done their work and
the surface is wiped/mopped the residual microorganisms remain
to provide deep, residual cleaning as long as conditions allow
them to be active.