Environmental Control of Metabolism Flashcards
state examples of microorganisms
archaea, prokaryote (bacteria) and some species of eukaryotes
microorganisms use a wide range of ______
substrates
give examples of products derived from microorganisms
cheese, bread
why are microorganisms used to produce useful products
they are easy to cultivate, reproduce and grow quickly, and are highly adaptable
microorganisms are highly _____ and found in a wide range of ____
adaptable, ecological niches
describe the conditions used for growth of microorganisms in culture
sterility; control of temperature, oxygen concentration; pH
the growth of microorganisms is influenced by ____?
the composition of their growth medium and by environmental conditions
state two things growth media require
an energy source, raw materials
explain how a fermenter is used in the culture of microorganisms
computer controlled fermenters provide aseptic technique to produce microorganisms on a vast scale. Sterile conditions in fermenters reduce competition with the desired micro-organisms for nutrients and reduce the risk of spoilage of the product
describe the process of growing microorganisms in a fermenter
sensors detect environmental change. if these vary from the optimum, the computer responds by adjusting required temp/ pH/ glucose concentration/ O2 concentration. these conditions release product. when the necessary volume of product is released, computer halts the process
name an example of a product produced in a fermenter
antibiotics
State the purpose of a growth medium
Although somemicroorganisms can produce all the complex molecules required for biosynthesis (e.g. amino acids, fatty acids), some microorganisms require these to be supplied in the growth medium.
