B3.3 Flashcards
What is biotechnology?
The alteration of natural biomolecules using science and engineering to provide goods and services
Are fermenters used for large or small scale cultivation?
Large
Why is there a sterile airflow in fermenters?
So the microorganisms can respire aerobically
How is agitation caused in fermenters?
A stirrer
Why is agitation important in fermenters?
To mix the oxygen and nutrients into all of the liquid
Why is an optimum pH important in fermenters?
To allow the enzymes to work most effectively
Why is an optimum temperature important in fermenters?
So the enzymes work at a fast rate without becoming denatured
Why does the air have to be sterile?
To prevent unwanted organisms getting into the mixture which may contaminate the product or be pathogenic
How is temperature controlled in a fermenter?
Water jacket
Why are nutrients needed in a fermenter?
So that the microorganisms can grow and reproduce
Why is steam used in fermenters?
To sterilise the fermenter
What are the advantages of using microorganisms for food production?
Rapid population growth
Ease of manipulation
Independent of climate
Uses waste products
What are enzymes?
Proteins that act as catalysts which are produced by living organisms
What is invertase?
An enzyme used in food manufacture
How is invertase produced?
By cultivating a yeast called Saccharomyces cerevisae in fermenters
