2.6 Enviromental Controll Of Metabolism

Question 1

What are the main types of microorganisms?

Answer 1

Micro-organisms are archaea, bacteria, and some species of eukaryotes.

Question 2

Describe the differences in the organisation of DNA in a eukaryote vs a prokaryote.

Answer 2

Eukaryotes have linear DNA organized in chromosomes within a nucleus, while prokaryotes have circular DNA that is not enclosed in a nucleus.

Question 3

What substrates do microorganisms use for metabolism?

Answer 3

Micro-organisms use a wide variety of substrates for metabolism and produce a range of products from their metabolic pathways.

Question 4

Why are microorganisms used in industry?

Answer 4

Micro-organisms are used because of their adaptability, ease of cultivation, and speed of growth.

Question 5

Explain why microorganisms (prokaryotes) can adapt quickly to environmental changes.

Answer 5

Microorganisms can adapt quickly due to their rapid reproduction rates and genetic diversity.

Question 6

What conditions are required for microorganisms to grow quickly?

Answer 6

Microorganisms require appropriate temperature, pH, oxygen levels, and nutrients.

Question 7

How can you prevent the spread of microorganisms?

Answer 7

Preventing the spread of microorganisms can involve sterilization, proper hygiene, and controlling environmental conditions.

Question 8

What do microorganisms need to be cultured in a lab?

Answer 8

Microorganisms need a growth medium, controlled environmental conditions, and a sterile environment to grow.

Question 9

What is growth media?

Answer 9

Growth media is a substance used to grow, transport, or store microorganisms.

For example, this can be on agar plates which have nutrients contained within the jelly.

Question 10

What raw materials are required for culturing microorganisms?

Answer 10

Raw materials include amino acids, fatty acids, glycerol, vitamins, and minerals and metals.

Question 11

What energy sources do microorganisms require?

Answer 11

Energy sources can be derived from chemical substrates or light from photosynthetic pigments.

Question 12

Why does algae grow so quickly when fertilizer leaches into water?

Answer 12

Algae grow quickly due to the availability of nutrients from the fertilizer.

Question 13

What conditions need to be controlled when growing microorganisms?

Answer 13

Temperature, pH, and oxygen levels need to be controlled.

Question 14

What are the phases of microorganism growth?

Answer 14

The phases include Lag Phase, Log Phase, Stationary Phase, and Death Phase.

Question 15

What occurs during the lag phase of microorganism growth?

Answer 15

The lag phase is where enzymes are induced to metabolize substrates.

Question 16

What happens during the log/exponential phase?

Answer 16

The log phase contains the most rapid growth of microorganisms due to plentiful nutrients.

Question 17

What occurs during the stationary phase?

Answer 17

The stationary phase occurs due to the depletion of nutrients and the production of toxic metabolites.

Question 18

What are secondary metabolites?

Answer 18

Secondary metabolites are produced during the stationary phase and confer an ecological advantage.

Examples include antibiotics.

Question 19

What are primary metabolites?

Answer 19

Primary metabolites are essential for survival, reproduction, and growth, such as enzymes and hormones.

Question 20

What is the death phase in microorganism growth?

Answer 20

The death phase occurs due to the toxic accumulation of metabolites or the lack of nutrients.

Question 21

What is the difference between total and viable cell counts?

Answer 21

Viable cell counts involve counting only living microorganisms, while total cell counts include both viable and dead cells.