Human Use of Microbes

Both _________ and ____ studies in microbiology enable the utilization of microbes in daily life.

industrial, food

Microbes can be used to make or _________ food products (i.e. yogurt, salami, cheeses)

preserve

Microbes can produce important __________ (e.g. antibiotics, MSG, ethanol)

compounds

An example of microbial utilization is Alexander Fleming’s invention of this compound, what is it?

Penicillin

When humans manipulate microorganisms to make products in an industrial setting what is this called?

biotechnology

This is the creation of new products and genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

genetic engineering

This allows microbes to be engineered to synthesize desirable proteins (i.e. drugs, hormones, and enzymes)

Recombinant DNA technology

This is the introduction of microbes into the environment to restore stability or clean up toxic pollutants (i.e. oil spills, chemical spills, water and sewage treatment)

Bioremediation