2.6 Criteria Flashcards
What are three examples of micro-organisms?
Archaea, bacteria, and some species of eukaryote
Do micro-organisms use a wide or narrow range of substrates for metabolism?
wide
Do micro-organisms produce a range of products from their metabolic pathways?
yes they produce a RANGE of products
What are micro-organisms used to produce?
Useful products from their pathways
Why are micro-organisms used to produce substances?
Because of their adaptability, ease of cultivation and speed of growth.
What do micro-organisms growth media contain?
Raw materials for biosynthesis and an energy source.
Micro-organisms can produce their required complex molecules for biosynthesis. What are three examples of complex molecules?
Amino acids, vitamins, fatty acids.
What do some micro-organisms require to be supplied in the growth medium?
complex molecules for biosynthesis
Where is an energy source for a micro-organism derived from?
A chemical substrate, or from light in photosynthetic micro-organisms
What optimal conditions does a fermenter provide?
Provides optimal conditions for micro-organisms through control of temperature, oxygen level and pH
What sterile conditions does a fermenter provide?
Provide sterile conditions to reduce competition for nutrients with unwanted micro-organisms
What does a fermenter reduce?
The risk of spoilage of the product
Name 3 examples of products produced in fermenters?
Antibiotics, enzymes, vaccines
Describe and name the first phase of growth and changes in culture of micro-organisms?
Lag phase- enzymes are induced to metabolise substrates
Describe and name the second phase of growth and changes in culture of micro-organisms?
Log/exponential phase- rapid growth of micro-organisms due to plentiful nutrients
Describe and name the third phase of growth and changes in culture of micro-organisms?
Stationary phase- due to nutrient depletion and toxic metabolites
Describe and name the forth phase of growth and changes in culture of micro-organisms?
Death phase- due to toxic metabolite accumulation and lack of nutrients
Name the two types of metabolites:
Primary metabolites and secondary metabolites
In what stage are secondary metabolites produced?
secondary metabolites are produced in the stationary phase.
What might secondary metabolites confer?
May confer an ecological advantage in the wild by allowing the micro-organism to outcompete other species
What type of scale is used to plot and interpret a micro-organism growth curve?
Semi-logarithmic scale
What does a viable count include?
Only living cells
What does a total count include?
Both living and dead cells
What type of count would show a death phase?
Viable count
