The industrial use of (parts of or whole) living organisms to produce food, drugs, etc
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Explain why microorganisms are often used in biotechnology
They have a short generation time, can be genetically engineered to express chemicals, grow well at relatively low temperatures
2 of 16
Explain the 'lag phase' of the standard growth curve
The organisms are still adjusting to their environment - synthesising enzymes, etc. The population remains fairly constant.
3 of 16
Explain the 'exponential phase' of the standard growth curve
The population doubles every generation as every individual has the space and nutrients to reproduce
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Explain the 'stationary phase' of the standard growth curve
Nutrients decline and waste builds up. The birth rate and death rate are equal
5 of 16
Explain the 'death/decline phase' of the standard growth curve
A lack of nutrients, and a build up of toxic waste, push the death rate higher than the birth rate. Eventually all the organisms die.
6 of 16
Explain the advantages of immobilising enzymes
Lowers purification costs, the enzymes are immediately available for reuse, and it is more stable as the enzymes are protected by the immobilising matrix.
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Explain the disadvantages of immobilising enzymes
Requires more setup time, the enzymes may be less active, and if contamination occurs it will be very costly.
8 of 16
Outline the advantages of batch culture
It is easier to set up, and only one batch is lost if contamination occurs. Useful for producing secondary metabolites
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Outline the disadvantages of batch culture
It is less efficient, and the growth level slows as nutrients declijne
10 of 16
Outline the advantages of continuous culture
The growth rate is higher as nutrients are continually added, it's more efficient. Useful for producing primary metabolites
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Outline the disadvantages of continuous culture
Set up is harder, large volumes of product are lost if contamination occurs
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Explain what primary metabolites are
They're produced by a microorganism as part of its normal growth - e.g amino acids, ethanol, lactate
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Explain what secondary metabolites are
They are not produced as part of a microorganism's normal growth - production starts after its main growth period. e.g antibiotic chemicals
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Define asepsis
The absence of unwanted microorganisms
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Why is asepsis important?
Unwanted microorganisms reduce the yield, compete for nutrients and space and may cause product spoilage
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Other cards in this set
Card 2
Front
They have a short generation time, can be genetically engineered to express chemicals, grow well at relatively low temperatures
Back
Explain why microorganisms are often used in biotechnology
Card 3
Front
The organisms are still adjusting to their environment - synthesising enzymes, etc. The population remains fairly constant.
Back
Card 4
Front
The population doubles every generation as every individual has the space and nutrients to reproduce
Back
Card 5
Front
Nutrients decline and waste builds up. The birth rate and death rate are equal
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