Industrial Fermenters

Question 1

what fungus produces the antibiotic penicillin?

Answer 1

Penicillium

Question 2

how is human insulin produced?

Answer 2

by being genetically engineered - fermenters are used to grow these micro-organisms on an industrial scale

Question 3

in an industrial fermenter, what is the role of the cooling jacket

Answer 3

removes heat energy, stopping the fermenter overheating and enzymes denaturing

Question 4

in an industrial fermenter, what is the role of the air filter

Answer 4

filters air coming in, maintaining sterile conditions

Question 5

in an industrial fermenter, what is the role of the stirrers?

Answer 5

keep the broth well stirred to oxygenate all parts of the fermenter and prevent micro-organisms setting

Question 6

in an industrial fermenter, what is the role of growth medium?

Answer 6

contains all necessary glucose and amino acids for micro-organism growth

Question 7

in an industrial fermenter, what is the role of the super-heated system?

Answer 7

applied before the fermenter is used, killing unwanted micro-organisms - leaves only water with no other residue