Microorganisms And Biotechnology NF!

Question 1

what is biotechnology?

Answer 1

applying biological organisms or enxymes to the synthesis, breakdown, or transformation of materials in the service of people.

Question 2

what are the most commonly used organisms in biotechnology processes?

Answer 2

fungi and bacteria

Question 3

why are microorganisms ideal enzymes for manufacturing processes?

Answer 3

• no welfare issues (only requires optimum growth conditions)
• enourmous range of microorganisms capable of carrying out many different chemical syntheses or degradations that can be used.
• genetic engineering allows artificially manipulate microorganisms to carry out synthesis reactions that they would not do naturally.

= microorganisms can have short life cycles and rapid growth rates. huge quantities of microorganisms can therefore be produced in short periods of time.

• nutrient requirements of microorganisms are often very simple and relatively cheap. genetic manipulation means we can madofiy them so that the microorganisms can utilise materials which would otherwise be wasted, making the raw materials for microorganism-controlled syntheses much cheaper than the raw materials needed for most other industrial processes.

Question 4

what are the advantages of using microorganisms to produce human food?

Answer 4

• microorganisms reproduce fast and produce protein faster than animals and plants.
• microorganisms have a high protein content with little fat.
• microorganisms can use a wide range of waste materials including human and animal waste, reducing costs.
• microorganisms can be genentically modified to produce the protein required.
• production of microorganisms is not dependent on weather, breeding cycles etc.
• can be made to taste like anything.

Question 5

what are the disadvantages of using microorganisms to produce human food?

Answer 5

• some microorganisms can also produce toxins if the conditions are not maintained at the optimum.
• the microorganims have to be seperated from the nutrient broth and processed to make the food.
• need sterile conditions that are carefully controlled adding to costs.
• often invove GM organisms and many people have concerns about eating GM food.
• the protein has to be purified to ensure it contains no toxin or contaminants.
• many people dislike the thought of having to eat microorganisms grown on waste.
• has little natural flavour so need addititves.