Environmental Control of Metabolism Flashcards

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1
Q

Name 3 types of micro-organism.

A

Archaea, bacteria and some eukaryotes

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2
Q

3 reasons micro-organisms are used.

A
  1. adaptable
  2. ease of cultivation
  3. speed of growth
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3
Q

What is biosynthesis?

A

Making natural products through enzyme reactions

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4
Q

Give 3 examples of complex molecules required for biosynthesis.

A
  1. amino acids
  2. vitamins
  3. fatty acids
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5
Q

What is the energy source for photosynthetic micro-organisms?

A

light

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6
Q

Why are sterile conditions important in a fermenter?

A

Reduces competition with the required micro-organism.

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7
Q

Other than sterile conditions, name 3 other factors that need to be controlled in a fermenter.

A
  1. pH
  2. Temperature
  3. Oxygen levels`
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8
Q

What happens during the lag phase?

A

enzymes are induced to metabolise substrates

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9
Q

What name is given to the phase with the most growth?

A

log/exponential phase

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10
Q

Why is there so much growth during the log/exponential phase?

A

plentiful supply of nutrients

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11
Q

State 2 reasons for the stationary phase.

A
  1. nutrients in the culture media becoming depleted

2. The production of toxic metabolites

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12
Q

What are secondary metabolites?

A

Substances produced that are not essential for growth, development and reproduction.

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13
Q

Give an example of a secondary metabolite.

A

antibiotics

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14
Q

What is the advantage of these secondary metabolites to the organism that produces them?

A

Allows them to outcompete other micro-organisms.

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15
Q

State 2 things that causes the death phase?

A
  1. toxic accumulation of metabolites

2. lack of nutrients in the agar

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16
Q

What is a viable cell count?

A

Count only the living micro-organisms

17
Q

What is counted in a total cell count?

A

living and dead micro-organisms

18
Q

Which type of count shows the death phase where cell numbers are decreasing?

A

viable cell count

19
Q

In which phase are secondary metabolites produced?

A

Stationary phase