Microorganisms, biotechnology and bioremediation

Question 1

What is biotechnology?

Answer 1

the use of living organisms in order to produce food, drugs and other products on an industrial scale

Question 2

Why use microorganisms?

Answer 2

1. ideal growth conditions can easily be created
2. short life cycle so they grow rapidly
3. grown anytime of year
4. no welfare issues to consider
5. GM microorganisms can carry out synthesis reactions that they wouldn’t normally do
6. they have simple and cheap nutrient requirements

Question 3

What are two processes where yeast is used?

Answer 3

brewing - yeast respires anaerobically to produce ethanol using glucose from added grain
baking - yeast respires aerobically to release CO2 bubbles that cause the bread to expand

Question 4

What two processes use bacteria?

Answer 4

cheese making and yoghurt making
bacteria breaks the lactose down which changes the texture and taste of milk causing it to thicken

Question 5

How are microorganisms involved in direct food production?

Answer 5

Using fungus called single celled protein to create meat alternatives with lots of protein and low fat amounts

Question 6

What are the pros of using microorganisms directly for food?

Answer 6

fast producing protein, very high protein content and low fat content, uses up waste, no dependance on weather or breeding cycles, no ethical concerns, can be made to taste like anything

Question 7

What are the cons of directly producing food with microorganisms?

Answer 7

toxins produced if conditions aren’t perfect, people have concerns over GM organisms, sterile conditions needed are costly, many dislike thought of eating fungus, little natural flavour

Question 8

What medicines do microorganisms produce?

Answer 8

penicillin and human insulin

Question 9

What is bioremediation?

Answer 9

microorganisms are used to breakdown pollutants and contaminants in soil or water

Question 10

What are the two methods of bioremediation?

Answer 10

using natural organisms and using GM organisms

Question 11

What is an example of natural bioremediation?

Answer 11

nutrients added to an oil spill causing it to disperse and be broken down

Question 12

What is an example of GM bioremediation?

Answer 12

GM bacteria that removes mercury has been placed in filters allowing contaminated sites to be cleaned of mercury