biotechnology

• What does biotechnology involve?

  Applying biological organisms or enzymes
• What are some useful products produced by biotechnology?

  Food and medicines
• What services do biotechnological processes provide?

  Sewage treatment, composting, and bioremediation
• Which organisms are commonly used in biotechnology?

  Fungi, yeasts, and bacteria
• What are some emerging uses of biotechnology?

  Production of biofuels and vaccines
• What is a well-known single-cell protein (SCP)?

  Quorn
• Why are microorganisms ideal for biotechnology processes?

  They have simple growth requirements
• How do microorganisms contribute to food production indirectly?

  Through baking, brewing, and cheese-making
• What happens if conditions for microorganisms are not ideal?

  They won't grow or work properly
• What is a disadvantage of using genetically engineered microorganisms?

  Ethical concerns about GM bacteria
• What are some advantages of using microorganisms in food production?

  They reproduce quickly and efficiently
• What are some disadvantages of using microorganisms in food production?

  Concerns about GM food and toxins
• What conditions are required for culturing microorganisms?

  Nutrient medium, temperature, oxygen, and pH
• What is the purpose of aseptic techniques in culturing microorganisms?

  To keep nutrient medium sterile

  
• What is the lag phase in bacterial growth?

  Population size increases slowly

  
• What occurs during the exponential phase of bacterial growth?

  Population size increases quickly
• What happens in the stationary phase of bacterial growth?

  Population reaches maximum due to limited resources

  
• What is the formula for calculating population growth?

  N = N0 x 2^n
• What are primary metabolites?

  Essential for normal functioning of microorganisms
• What are secondary metabolites?

  Substances not essential for growth but useful
• What is batch fermentation?

  Microorganisms grown in individual batches
• What is continuous fermentation?

  Microorganisms grown without stopping
• Why are immobilized enzymes used in industrial processes?

  They can be reused and are more efficient
• What is the purpose of immobilizing enzymes?

  To prevent mixing with the product
• What is the advantage of using immobilized lactase?

  Produces lactose-free milk for intolerant people
• What is a disadvantage of immobilized enzymes?

  Specialist equipment is required
• What is the role of immobilized penicillin acylase?

  Produces semi-synthetic penicillin
• How do immobilized enzymes contribute to the production of pure L-amino acids?

  They separate isomers to obtain pure samples
• What is the significance of using GM organisms in bioremediation?

  They can break down unfamiliar contaminants
• What is the ideal pH for penicillin production?

  Around 6.5
• What is the temperature range for maintaining bioreactors for penicillin production?

  25-27 degrees Celsius
• What are the risks associated with culturing microorganisms?

  Mutation and contamination with pathogens
• What is the purpose of using a sterile pipette in culturing?

  To prevent contamination of the culture
• What is the role of a Bunsen burner in aseptic techniques?

  To prevent contamination from airborne spores
• Why is it important to minimize the time agar plates are open?

  To reduce the risk of contamination
• What is the purpose of sterilizing equipment in microbiology?

  To kill microorganisms before use
• What is the significance of the standard growth curve?

  It describes the growth phases of bacteria

  
• What is the decline phase in bacterial growth?

  Death rate exceeds reproduction rate

  
• What factors limit microbial growth?

  Nutrient availability, oxygen, temperature, waste, pH
• What is the role of nutrients in microbial growth?

  They provide essential resources for growth