Microorganisms are Grown in Fermenters Flashcards
What can microorganisms (like bacteria) be used for?
To make really useful stuff e.g insulin or penicillin
What happens in industry?
Microorganisms are grown in large containers called fermenters
What is the fermenter full of?
Liquid ‘culture medium’ in which microorganisms can grow and reproduce
Why are the conditions inside the fermentation vessels kept at the optimum levels?
For growth - this means the yield of products from the microorganisms can be as big as possible
Where are nutrients needed by the microorganisms for growth provided in?
The liquid culture medium
Why is the pH monitored and kept at the optimum level?
For the microorganisms’ enzymes to work efficiently
What does this keep as high as possible? (Ph monitored and kept at optimum level)
Rate of reaction and product yield
What is also monitored and kept at an optimum level?
Temperature
What does a water-cooled jacket do?
Make sure it doesn’t get so hot that the enzymes denature
What are microorganisms kept in contact with and by what?
Fresh medium by paddles they circulate the medium around the vessel
What does this increase and why? (Fresh medium)
The product yield because microorganisms can always access the nutrients needed for growth
What happens if the microorganisms need oxygen for respiration?
It’s added by pumping in sterile air
Why does this increase the product yield? (Microorganisms need Oxygen for respiration)
Because microorganisms can always respire to provide the energy for growth
What are vessels sterilised between?
Uses with superheated steam that kills unwanted microbes
What does having aseptic conditions increase and why?
The product yield because the microorganisms aren’t competing with other organisms. Also means product doesn’t get contaminated
