Many contact lenses must be removed each night and soaked in a solution purchased at a pharmacy. The lenses should not be worn at night while sleeping and should be discarded after 2-3 weeks of wearing them. Many contact lens solutions contain proteases, which are enzymes. Proteases are also enzymes found in different meat tenderizers, which are cooking additives that make meat more easily cut, cooked, and manipulated. Which statement best identifies the role of the enzymes known as proteases in the two scenarios described above?
1) Proteases disinfect the contact lenses and the meat. This is essential before putting either of these in the body.
2) Proteases make the contact lens and the meat safer to handle. The safety of objects being placed into or on the body is important.
3) Proteases break down proteins. Proteins can build up on contact lenses worn in the eye and proteins are found in meat.
4) Proteases act as adhesive chemicals. They allow the contact to fit more strongly to the eye and allow the seasonings in the cooking process to adhere to the meat.
