22.4 microorganisms and biotechnology

Question 1

What is biotechnology

Answer 1

Applying biological organisms or enzymes to the synthesis, breakdown or transformation of materials in teh service of people
Most commonly used are fungi

Question 2

What does most biotechnology involve

Answer 2

Using biological catalysts in a manufacturing process

Question 3

Why are microorganisms ideal to use in biotechnology

Answer 3

No welfare issues to consider
Enormous range of microorganisms capable of carrying out many different chemical syntheses
In GM we ca make them carry out reactions they wouldn’t normally do
They have shirt life cycle and rapid growth rate
Simple and cheap nutrient requirements
Bio processes are cheap as they need low temps, supply of o2 and removal of waste

Question 4

Disadvantages of using microorganisms indirectly to produce human foods

Answer 4

If conditions aren’t ideal microorganisms don’t grow properly and work inefficiently
Ideal conditions could be ideal for microorganisms that make food go off so need to make processses sterile

Question 5

What is single cell protein

Answer 5

Using microorganisms to directly produce protein

Eg quorn

Question 6

Advantages of using microorganisms directly to make food

Answer 6

Reproduce faster than animals 
High protein content with little fat 
can be GM to produce required protein 
Can take place constantly 
No welfare issues

Question 7

Disadvantages of using microorganisms to produce food

Answer 7

Can produce toxins
Need sterile conditions - adds to cost
People have problems eating GM food
Has little natural flavour