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Q13(a):
Find out the role of microbes in the following and discuss it with your teacher.
(a) Single cell protein (SCP)
Solution :
1. Definition and Biological Basis of Single Cell Protein (SCP)
Single Cell Protein (SCP) refers to the dehydrated, dried cells of microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast, fungi, or algae, which are harvested and utilized as a protein-rich supplement for human food or animal feed. The fundamental principle governing SCP production is the bioconversion of inexpensive or waste carbon sources into high-quality microbial biomass [Per the principles of metabolic engineering and industrial microbiology].
2. Microbial Agents Involved in SCP Synthesis
Different categories of microorganisms are employed based on their growth kinetics and nutritional profiles:
- Algae: Spirulina, Chlorella.
- Fungi: Fusarium venenatum (commercialized as Quorn).
- Yeast: Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Candida utilis.
- Bacteria: Methylophilus methylotrophus (high growth rate on methanol).
3. Process Flowchart and Mechanism
4. Step-by-Step Production Rationale
- Substrate Utilization: Microbes are grown on substrates like agricultural residues, industrial effluents (molasses, starch), or hydrocarbons [By the Law of Conservation of Mass, converting industrial waste into biomass].
- Fermentation: In a bioreactor, microbes proliferate exponentially under controlled pH, temperature, and aeration. Bacteria such as Methylophilus methylotrophus possess a high biomass-to-substrate yield [Per the Stoichiometric Efficiency Principle].
- Downstream Processing: The microbial mass is recovered through centrifugation or filtration, washed, and dried to form a protein-rich powder.
5. Nutritional and Economic Significance
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| Protein Content | Varies between 40% to 80% of dry weight. |
| Nutrient Profile | Rich in essential amino acids, B-vitamins, and minerals. |
| Sustainability | Reduces environmental pollution by utilizing organic waste streams. |
6. Analytical Discussion
The primary advantage of SCP is the high protein productivity. A microbial cell population can double its mass in a matter of hours compared to several weeks or months for conventional livestock or crop production. Furthermore, SCP addresses the global food security challenge by decoupling protein production from arable land availability [Per the Sustainability Index model in Agriculture].
Final Solution: Single Cell Protein (SCP) functions as a biotechnological solution to malnutrition by utilizing microbes to convert waste materials into high-protein biomass, serving as a highly efficient, sustainable, and nutrient-dense dietary supplement for human and animal nutrition.
More Questions from Class 12 Biology Microbes in Human Welfare EXERCISES
- Q1: Bacteria cannot be seen with the naked eyes, but these can be seen with the help of a microscope. If you have to carry a sample from your home to your biology laboratory to demonstrate the presence of microbes with the help of a microscope, which sample would you carry and why?
- Q1: Bacteria cannot be seen with the naked eyes, but these can be seen with the help of a microscope. If you have to carry a sample from your home to your biology laboratory to demonstrate the presence of microbes with the help of a microscope, which sample would you carry and why?
- Q2: Give examples to prove that microbes release gases during metabolism.
- Q2: Give examples to prove that microbes release gases during metabolism.
- Q3: In which food would you find lactic acid bacteria? Mention some of their useful applications.
- Q3: In which food would you find lactic acid bacteria? Mention some of their useful applications.
- Q4: Name some traditional Indian foods made of wheat, rice and Bengal gram (or their products) which involve use of microbes.
- Q4: Name some traditional Indian foods made of wheat, rice and Bengal gram (or their products) which involve use of microbes.
- Q5: In which way have microbes played a major role in controlling diseases caused by harmful bacteria?
- Q5: In which way have microbes played a major role in controlling diseases caused by harmful bacteria?
- Q6: Name any two species of fungus, which are used in the production of the antibiotics.
- Q6: Name any two species of fungus, which are used in the production of the antibiotics.
- Q7: What is sewage? In which way can sewage be harmful to us?
- Q7: What is sewage? In which way can sewage be harmful to us?
- Q8: What is the key difference between primary and secondary sewage treatment?
- Q8: What is the key difference between primary and secondary sewage treatment?
- Q9: Do you think microbes can also be used as source of energy? If yes, how?
- Q9: Do you think microbes can also be used as source of energy? If yes, how?
- Q10: Microbes can be used to decrease the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Explain how this can be accomplished.
- Q10: Microbes can be used to decrease the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Explain how this can be accomplished.
- Q11: Three water samples namely river water, untreated sewage water and secondary effluent discharged from a sewage treatment plant were subjected to BOD test. The samples were labelled \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\); but the laboratory attendant did not note which was which. The BOD values of the three samples \(A\), \(B\) and \(C\) were recorded as 20mg/L, 8mg/L and 400mg/L, respectively. Which sample of the water is most polluted? Can you assign the correct label to each assuming the river water is relatively clean?
- Q11: Three water samples namely river water, untreated sewage water and secondary effluent discharged from a sewage treatment plant were subjected to BOD test. The samples were labelled (A), (B) and (C); but the laboratory attendant did not note which was which. The BOD values of the three samples (A), (B) and (C) were recorded as (20mg/L), (8mg/L) and (400mg/L), respectively. Which sample of the water is most polluted? Can you assign the correct label to each assuming the river water is relatively clean?
- Q12: Find out the name of the microbes from which Cyclosporin \(A\) (an immunosuppressive drug) and Statins (blood cholesterol lowering agents) are obtained.
- Q12: Find out the name of the microbes from which Cyclosporin (A) (an immunosuppressive drug) and Statins (blood cholesterol lowering agents) are obtained.
- Q13(a): Find out the role of microbes in the following and discuss it with your teacher. (a) Single cell protein (SCP)
- Q13(b): Find out the role of microbes in the following and discuss it with your teacher. (b) Soil
- Q13(b): Find out the role of microbes in the following and discuss it with your teacher. (b) Soil
- Q14: Arrange the following in the decreasing order (most important first) of their importance, for the welfare of human society. Give reasons for your answer. Biogas, Citric acid, Penicillin and Curd
- Q14: Arrange the following in the decreasing order (most important first) of their importance, for the welfare of human society. Give reasons for your answer. Biogas, Citric acid, Penicillin and Curd
- Q15: How do biofertilisers enrich the fertility of the soil?
- Q15: How do biofertilisers enrich the fertility of the soil?
CBSE Solutions for Class 12 Biology Microbes in Human Welfare
Chapters in CBSE - Class 12 Biology
- Reproduction in Organisms
- Human Reproduction
- Reproductive Health
- Principles of Inheritance and Variation
- Molecular Basis of Inheritance
- Evolution
- Human Health and Disease
- Strategies for Enhancement in Food Production
- Biotechnology: Principles and Processes
- Biotechnology and Its Applications
- Organisms and Populations
- Ecosystem
- Biodiversity and Conservation
- Environmental Issues
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