Environmental Control of Metabolism Flashcards
What are microorganisms?
Very small, unicellular organisms.
What domains of life can microorganisms belong to?
Eukaryotes, Bacteria, and archaea.
Why are microorganisms useful?
They produce a variety of metabolites from their metabolic reactions.
What uses do microorganisms have in industry?
- medicine
- food and enzyme
- bioremediation
Why are microorganisms ideal in industry?
- easy to culture
- reproduce and grow quickly
- their food substrate is often cheap
- produce useful products
- highly adaptable
How can microorganisms be grown successfully in a lab?
- appropriate growth medium
- controlled environmental factors
What domain of life are microorganisms found in?
All three - bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes.
Where can microorganisms get their energy?
- photosynthesis
- in the chemical industry, a chemical substrate
Where are microorganisms usually grown when used in the chemical industry?
On agar plants which contain nutrients.
Explain the difference to microorganisms and complex molecules.
Some can produce all the complex molecules required whereas others need this to be added to the growth media.
What must be controlled when growing microorganisms on a growth medium?
- sterile
- temperature
- oxygen
- pH
How do you ensure sterility?
Aseptic techniques, steam, and filters. Reduces competitions with desired microorganisms and reduces the risk of spoilage.
How do you control temperature?
Water jackets and a thermostat. Keeps enzymes at their optimum temperature.
How do you control oxygen levels?
Air inlets and paddles - allow aerobic respiration to occur.
How do you control pH levels?
Buffer or addition of acids/alkalis to keep enzymes at their optimum pH.
