13.2.1 Useful Microorganisms (Q&A)

Short Answer Questions

1. What are some key roles of microorganisms?
   Answer
   Microorganisms play essential roles in medicine, agriculture, industry, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability.
2. Name two antibiotics produced using microorganisms.
   Answer
   Penicillin and tetracycline.
3. How is E. coli used in medicine?
   Answer
   E. coli is used to produce insulin for treating diabetes via recombinant DNA technology.
4. Name two vaccines produced using microbes.
   Answer
   The Sabin vaccine for polio and the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis.
5. How do microorganisms contribute to nutrient cycling in agriculture?
   Answer
   Fungi and bacteria decompose organic matter into mineral salts, maintaining soil fertility.
6. What is nitrogen fixation, and which microorganisms perform it?
   Answer
   Nitrogen fixation is the process where nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert nitrogen gas into nitrogen compounds (nitrates), enriching the soil.
7. Name a microorganism used in vinegar production.
   Answer
   Acetobacter.
8. Which microorganism is used in tempeh production?
   Answer
   Rhizopus fungi.
9. Name a microorganism used in yogurt production.
   Answer
   Lactobacillus.
10. How is Aspergillus fungi used in food production?
    Answer
    Aspergillus fungi are used in the fermentation of soybeans to make koji.
11. What microorganism is used to produce lactose-free milk?
    Answer
    Yeast.
12. How are protease enzymes from bacteria and fungi used in industry?
    Answer
    They are used in detergents.
13. How are microorganisms used in waste management?
    Answer
    Some microorganisms break down organic waste to produce methane and biogas and are also used in sewage treatment.
14. What are bioplastics, and how are microorganisms involved in their production?
    Answer
    Bioplastics are biodegradable plastics made using certain microorganisms.
15. What are eco-enzymes, and how are they produced?
    Answer
    Eco-enzymes are natural cleaners produced by combining fruit and vegetable waste with sugar and air.
16. What is one advantage of eco-enzymes?
    Answer
    They are cheap to produce and environmentally friendly.
17. How are bacteria used in fiber processing for string and rope-making?
    Answer
    Bacteria are used in the retting of plant fibers to break down the outer layer of plant stems.
18. Name a microorganism used in vitamin production.
    Answer
    E. coli.
19. What are two industrial applications of Lactobacillus species?
    Answer
    Producing yogurt and eliminating odors.
20. How does Lactobacillus benefit animals?
    Answer
    It assists digestion and boosts immunity by enhancing food absorption.

Explanation Questions

1. How do microorganisms contribute to the production of antibiotics?
   Answer
   Certain bacteria and fungi, such as Penicillium, produce antibiotics that inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria. These natural antibiotics are extracted and refined for medical use.
2. How are nitrogen-fixing bacteria beneficial to agriculture?
   Answer
   Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into nitrogen compounds that plants can absorb, improving soil fertility and reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.
3. Why is Lactobacillus important in food production?
   Answer
   Lactobacillus bacteria are used in fermentation to produce yogurt and other dairy products. They also help improve gut health by producing lactic acid.
4. How do microorganisms help in environmental sustainability?
   Answer
   Microorganisms assist in waste decomposition, biogas production, bioplastics creation, and eco-enzyme production, reducing pollution and promoting sustainability.
5. What is the role of microorganisms in biogas production?
   Answer
   Certain microorganisms break down organic waste in anaerobic conditions to produce methane, which can be used as a renewable energy source.
6. How do microorganisms contribute to the leather industry?
   Answer
   Enzymes from bacteria and fungi are used to remove hair and fat from animal hides, aiding in leather processing.
7. Why are eco-enzymes considered environmentally friendly?
   Answer
   Eco-enzymes are biodegradable, require minimal chemical inputs, and utilize organic waste to produce natural cleaning solutions.
8. How are microorganisms used in sewage treatment?
   Answer
   Microorganisms break down organic waste in sewage, reducing pollution and making water safer for release into the environment.
9. How does yeast contribute to lactose-free milk production?
   Answer
   Yeast produces the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose, making milk suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.
10. Why is Acetobacter important in vinegar production?
    Answer
    Acetobacter bacteria convert ethanol into acetic acid, which gives vinegar its distinct sour taste.