Microbes Flashcards
Prokaryotes
Without membrane bound organelles (especially nucleus)
Eukaryotes
With membrane bound organelles (especially nucleus)
Why are microbes ideal for research and Industry?
They are easily grown and cultivated
They reproduce and grow quickly
Food substrates are cheap
They can produce a wide range of products
Their metabolism can be easily manipulated
Chemical composition of Growth media
What does a growing microorganism require?
Carbohydrate (chemical energy source)
Light energy
Amino acids to build proteins (biosynthesis)
Nucleotides to build nucleic acids (DNA)
Oxygen
Sterile conditions so there’s no competition
Optimum pH and temperature
What do some microorganisms need to grow?
Vitamins and fatty acids
What environmental conditions are required for growing microorganisms?
Aseptic conditions
No risk of contamination
Role of computers in the fermenter
Automatically control conditions using information from sensors
Role of sensors in the fermenter
Monitor the growth media to check they are at optimum levels to allow growth
Why is the culture media stirred?
To avoid he microorganisms pooling at the bottom
To keep them in contact with h the nutrient broth
