applied microbiology and biotechnology

Question 1

how are microbes involved in beer production

Answer 1

the bacteria saccharomyces ferment glucose into ethanol, glucose and CO2.
secondary metabolites will change the beers flavour

Question 2

how are microbes involved in yougurt production

Answer 2

the bacteria lactobacillus ferment lactose

Question 3

how are microbes involved in beta-carotene production

Answer 3

the Halophilic algae dunaliella saline accumulates beta-carotene. Under harsh conditions it will produce carotene which can be used in nutrient supplies, biofuel production and cosmetics

Question 4

how are microbes used in medicine

Answer 4

microbial products: therapeutic compounds, genetic tools and bioplastics
bacteria itself: probiotic therapies, bacterial vaccines
bacteriophages: stop biofilms and superbugs

Question 5

what is biodegradation

Answer 5

using microbes to break down hazardous substances such as plastics

Question 6

what is bioremediation

Answer 6

the use if microbes to clean up soil and groundwater e.g. making it less acidic/alkaline

Question 7

how are bacteria used in wastewater treatment

Answer 7

both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria digest organic material and transform it into ammonia and then nitrates and finally unreactive nitrogen gas

Question 8

how are bacteria used in bio mining

Answer 8

bacteria are used in bioleaching which extracts compounds like iron from rocks by oxidising Fe2+ into Fe3+

Question 9

what is microbial engineering

Answer 9

the use of microbes to produce products through creating a metabolic pathway to help the bacteria.