Chapter 22:Cloning and Biotechnology (B)

what is biotechnology

the use of living organisms or their components to synthesise breakdown or transform materials for human use

what are the major applications of microbes in biotechnology

medicines bioremediation and brewing

give examples of microbes

bacteria yeast mould and algae

how are microrganisms used in making penicilin

penicillum chryogenum is a fungus that synthesises penicilin as a growth by product

give 2 conditions required for penicilin synthesis

constant stirring to ensure high oxygen levels and PH buffer

what is bioremediation

the use of microbes to decompose pollutants and contaminants in soil and water

give one way bioremediation can be used

use microbes natural ability to digest organic materials such as sewage or oil spills

what is advantage of using microorganisms in biotechnology

cost effective cultivation and mass production decreases consumer prices and it creates a high protein low fat sustainable food source

what are two weaknesses of using microrganisms in biotechnology

risk of contamination and differences in texture and taste from traditional food sources

why are microrganisms cultured in biotechnology

to generate biomass of primary and secondary metabolites

what are primary metabolites

substances produced that are essential for normal microbial functioning

what are secondary metabolites

substances produced in non essential processes

what are bioreactors

large fermentation tanks that are optimised for microbial growth

what do bioreactors typically contain

a nutrient medium which provides essential nutrients for microbial growtrh

which factors are typically optimised inside bioreactors

nutrient availability temperature PH and waste

how are contamination and waste accounted for inside bioreactors

steam sterilisation between batches

why must aseptic technique be used when culturing microorganisms

to prevent contamination and ensure that nutrient medium remains sterile until use

what are the two types of fermentation

batch and continuous

describe batch fermentation

microbes are grown in a fixed volume in individual batches until nutrients deplete and waste accumulates

describe continuous fermentation

continuously supplying fresh nutrients and removing the culture broth

what are the 3 steps of culturing microbes in the laboratory

sterilisation application and incubation

what happens in the sterilisation stage of lab microbial culturing

equipment is sterilised using a flame or chemicals and the innoculating wire is dipped into microbes

what happens in the application stage of lab microbial culturing

microbes are transferred onto agar by lightly zig zagging

what happens in the incubation stage of lab microbial culturing

plates are closed lightly taped labelled and placed upside down in an incubator

what is enzyme immobilisation

attaching or enclosing an enzyme onto a solid support allowing for reuse

what are the four methods of enzyme immbolisation

binding absorption entrapment encapsulation

what is the acronym for the methods of enzyme immbolidation

BAEE

describe the binding method of enzyme immbolisation

enzyme is bound to an insolube support material such as cellulose by covalent or ionic bonds

describe the absorption method of enzyme immbolisation

enzymes are absorbed onto the surface of insoluble support materials

describe the entrapment method of enzyme immbolisation

trapping of enzymes in a matrix or capsule

describe the encapsulation method of enzyme immbolisation

isolation by a partially permeable membrane

give one application of immobolised enzymes

production of lactose free milk

how is lactose free milk produced

1. lactase containing beads are packed into a column

2. milk flows through the column

3. lactose in the milk is broken down into glucose and galactose

how are lactase enzymes immobilised

entrapment in alginate beads