4. Microorganisms And Biotechnology Flashcards
What is biotechnology?
Involved applying biological organisms or enzymes to synthesis, breakdown or transformation of materials in the service of people
Give examples of uses of biotechnology
Traditional production of cheese, wine, bread, beer
Synthesising drugs- EG insulin and antibiotics
Use of biological systems to remove soil and water pollution- bioremediation
Why are microorganisms used in biotechnology?
Biotechnology involves using biological catalysts (enzymes) in a manufacturing process
The most stable, convenient and effective form of the enzymes is often a whole microorganism
-no welfare issues to consider
- huge range capable of carrying out many diff chemical synthesises
- genetic engineering allows us to artificially manipulate microorganisms to carry out synthesis reactions that they wouldn’t normally do
- very short life cycle and rapid growth rate, right conditions= huge quantities can be produced quickly
- nutrient requirements of microorganisms often simple and cheap- genetic manipulation= use of nutrients that would go to waste
What types of food production can microorganisms do?
Direct and indirect
What foods can be produced through indirect food production?
And how does it work?
Bread, yoghurt, cheese
It’s the microorganisms actions on other food that is important
What are disadvantages of indirect food production?
If conditions aren’t ideal, the microorganisms don’t grow properly and so don’t work efficiently
Conditions are ideal for micro organisms can also be ideal for the microorganisms that cause of food to go off or cause disease- process has to be sterile
Increasingly, the microorganisms involved in food production have been genetically engineered- ethical issues for some
What’s an example of how a microorganism is used for indirect food production?
Baking- yeast- mixed with sugar and water to respire anaerobically, carbon dioxide produced makes bread rise
The active yeast mixture added to flour and other ingredients, mixed and left in warm environment to rise
Dough is knocked back (excess air removed), kneaded, shaped and left to rise again
Cooked in hot oven- carbon dioxide bubbles expand= bread rises more, yeast cells are killed during cooking
What’s an example of how microorganisms are used in direct food production?
Fungi, in the form of mushrooms
What is single-cell protein?
Scientists dev more ways of using microorganisms to directly produce protein you can eat
These can potentially be healthier (lower fat) and suitable for vegetarians
EG-quorn
Yeast, algae and bacteria can be used to grow proteins that match animal proteins found in meat as well as plant proteins
Atm- used to feed animals we eat
What are advantages of using microorganisms to produce human food?
Faster than proteins produced from animals and plants
Microorganisms have high protein content with low fat
Microorganisms can use waste material= reduction in cost
Microorganisms can be genetically modified to produce protein required
Production of microorganisms not dependent on breeding or weather= more reliable
No welfare issues when growing microorganisms
Can be made to taste like anything
What are disadvantages of using microorganisms to produce human food?
Some microorganisms can also produce toxins if conditions aren’t maintained at optimum
Need sterile conditions that are carefully controlled= costs
Concerns about eating genetically modified organisms?
Protein has to be purified to ensure contains no toxin or contaminates
Many dislike thought of eating microorganisms grown on waste
Little natural flavour- additives
