Deck 16: Better Living With Microorganisms: Industrial and Applied Microbiology

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of an extremozyme?

A) a microorganism that is isolated from a very hot, thermal pool of water
B) the Taq polymerase, isolated from Thermus aquaticus, which is used in PCR
C) a cellulase enzyme, which can digest cellulose, used in a stain remover
D) a biopesticide used to control insect pests in the garden
E) a microorganism used in nanotechnology

Answer 1

B

Question 2

Some bacteria release electrons, which can then be bound to an electrode, generating electricity. This process may be used:

A) to produce cellulosic ethanol.
B) to produce biodegradable plastics.
C) to create microbial fuel cells.
D) to separate valuable minerals from rock deposits.
E) as a biologically produced hydrocarbon.

Answer 2

C

Question 3

If bacteria that have undergone strain improvement are introduced into a natural environment:

A) they will usually outcompete and replace naturally occurring, wild-type strains.
B) they will usually be outcompeted by naturally occurring wild-type strains.
C) they will usually act as predators on naturally occurring wild-type strains.
D) they will usually serve as prey for naturally occurring wild-type strains.
E) they will usually act as commensals with naturally occurring, wild-type strains.

Answer 3

B

Question 4

Why does compost tend to heat up over time? Why is it beneficial to periodically turn the compost?

Question 5

Which of the following statements about landfills is true?

A) Decomposition of garbage is slowed by anaerobic conditions.
B) Decomposition of garbage is slowed by aerobic conditions.
C) Decomposition of garbage is slowed by toxic chemicals, which kill microorganisms.
D) Decompostion of garbage is slowed by the release of methane.

Question 6

Microorganisms to be used commercially usually are developed in a series of defined steps. Which of the following has those steps in the correct order?

A) laboratory flask » pilot plant fermentor » laboratory fermentor » industrial fermentor
B) laboratory fermentor » laboratory flask » pilot plant fermentor » industrial fermentor
C) industrial fermentor » pilot plant fermentor » laboratory fermentor » labortory flask
D) laboratory flask » laboratory fermentor » pilot plant fermentor » industrial fermentor
E) pilot plant fermentor » labortory flask » industrial fermentor » laboratory fermentor

Question 7

Metabolites are:

A) the substrate that is converted into a useful product by microorganisms.
B) an intermediate compound in a biochemical pathway, the final product of which is a useful product.
C) the final product in a biochemical pathway.
D) either "a" or "c" above
E) either "b" or "c" above

Question 8

The easiest step when it comes to developing a new antibiotic is:

A) finding a microorganism that produces an antibiotic.
B) determining the optimum growth conditions for the microorganism in question.
C) the scale-up process.
D) improving the bacterial strain so that commercially valuable quantities of the antibiotic are produced.

Question 9

Which type of organism would be most promising if you were seeking an organism that can digest hydrocarbons, to help clean up oil spills?

A) a nonfastidious organism
B) a fastidious organism
C) an obligate anaerobe
D) an extreme thermophile
E) an acidophile

Question 10

When bacteria are used in wastewater treatment plants to convert hydrogen sulfide into hydrogen sulfate, why are the bacteria grown on biofilms?

A) To protect them from damage to their cell walls caused by the waste water.
B) The bacteria that make this conversion can only grow in biofilms.
C) The biofilms increase the time during which the bacteria can metabolize the hydrogen sulfide.
D) The hydrogen sulfate adheres to the biofilm, reducing the amount of this chemical released in treated water.
E) Only bacteria growing in biofilms produce the enzyme necessary to make this conversion.

Question 11

What exactly is the biopesticide Bt? Why is this product, which kills garden pests, not a danger to humans, pets, or other animals?

Question 12

Which of the following statements about primary and secondary metabolites is true?

A) Primary metabolites are produced maximally during the lag phase of growth.
B) Secondary metabolites are produced maximally during the lag phase of growth.
C) Primary metabolites are produced maximally during the log phase of growth.
D) Secondary metabolites are produced maximally during the log phase of growth.
E) Primary metabolites are produced maximally during the stationary phase of growth.

Question 13

In what way does metabolite production by a microorganism often depend on other microorganisms that may be found in the same environment?