Microorganisms & Biotechnology

What is biotechnology?

Using living organisms or their components to synthesise break down or transform materials for human use

Which microorganisms are commonly used in biotechnology?

Bacteria yeasts moulds and algae

What is the role of enzymes in biotechnology?

They act as biological catalysts

Which microorganism is commonly used in brewing?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast

How does yeast produce ethanol during brewing?

It ferments sugars anaerobically producing ethanol and carbon dioxide

What is produced during anaerobic fermentation by yeast?

Ethanol and carbon dioxide

How does yeast make bread dough rise?

Carbon dioxide produced during fermentation causes the dough to rise

Which enzyme is used to coagulate milk during cheese making?

Chymosin

How can chymosin be produced for cheese making?

Using genetically modified yeast

What is the role of bacteria and moulds in cheese making?

They contribute to acidification thickening and flavour

How is yoghurt produced?

Bacteria ferment lactose into lactic acid

What does lactic acid do during yoghurt production?

It sours and solidifies the milk

How are microorganisms used to produce medicines?

Bioengineered fungi and bacteria produce drugs such as penicillin and insulin

Which fungus produces penicillin?

Penicillium chrysogenum

What is penicillin?

An antibiotic produced by a fungus as a by product of growth

What is bioremediation?

Using microorganisms to break down pollutants and contaminants

How can bioremediation help with oil spills?

Microorganisms break down pollutants in the oil

What are the two main approaches to bioremediation?

Using natural microorganisms or genetically modified microorganisms

How can natural microorganisms be used in bioremediation?

They digest organic pollutants and nutrients may be added to support their growth

How can genetically modified microorganisms be used in bioremediation?

They can break down or accumulate specific pollutants

What conditions are needed for penicillin production?

High oxygen levels nutrient rich medium stable pH and a suitable temperature

Why are penicillin fermenters constantly stirred?

To maintain high oxygen levels

What is the purpose of the nutrient rich medium in penicillin production?

To provide nutrients for fungal growth

Why is a buffer used in penicillin production?

To maintain a stable pH

What pH is maintained during penicillin production?

Approximately 6.5

What temperature is used for penicillin production?

Approximately 25 to 27 degrees Celsius

What happens to penicillin after production?

It is extracted and purified for medical use

What is an advantage of using microorganisms in biotechnology?

They reproduce rapidly allowing fast large scale production

Why is microbial biotechnology often cost effective?

Microorganisms can be cultivated cheaply and produced in large quantities

What ethical advantage do microorganisms have over animal production?

They avoid animal welfare concerns

Why can microorganisms reduce production costs?

They have simple nutrient requirements and can use waste materials

Why are microorganisms a sustainable food source?

They can have high protein content and low fat content

How can genetic modification improve microorganisms used in biotechnology?

It can improve nutritional content or optimise production

Why can microorganisms be produced throughout the year?

Production is independent of weather and breeding cycles

Why must sterile conditions be maintained in microbial biotechnology?

To prevent contamination by unwanted microorganisms

What is a disadvantage of microbial contamination?

It can reduce product quality and make products unsafe

Why might toxins need to be removed from microbial products?

Some microorganisms produce harmful toxins

Why must microorganisms be separated from nutrient broth during food production?

To obtain the required food product

Why might flavour enhancers be added to microbial foods?

Their texture and taste may differ from traditional foods

What social concerns can arise from microbial biotechnology?

Concerns about genetically modified foods and microorganisms grown on waste products