Bioreactors Overview Quiz

Photobioreactors are transparent containers used to cultivate photosynthetic organisms like algae and cyanobacteria. These organisms use light for energy, reducing the risk of contamination by bacteria or fungi compared to traditional bioreactors.

Sewage treatment often involves bioreactors, where microorganisms break down waste, purifying the water. These bioreactors can contain inert media for biological film growth, or they can be aerated to promote 'activated sludge' formation.

In some bioreactors, a surface with a lot of space (high surface area) is provided for microbes to grow on. This is called 'biological film'. This film acts like a filter, cleaning the water.

To promote the growth of microbes in sewage treatment, some bioreactors use 'activated sludge'. This is a mixture of microbes and water that helps break down waste faster.

This process uses microbes to break down waste in a contained space, often with the help of aeration or special media for the microbes to grow on. This removes pollutants and improves water quality.

Septic tanks are simpler bioreactors where sewage is left to decompose, with or without added media to house bacteria. The sludge in the tank acts as a host for the microbes.

Researchers are developing bioreactors for growing specific tissues and cells on a scaffold, mimicking organ structures in a lab. This is called tissue engineering.

A specialized enclosed workspace in a lab designed to protect workers and the environment from hazardous materials, typically containing pathogens.

A type of safety cabinet that uses a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to remove harmful bacteria and viruses from the exhaust air. It provides protection for the worker, the environment, and the materials inside.

The ability of a biosafety cabinet to contain infectious agents, preventing their release into the environment and protecting the worker.

A scientific instrument used to determine the order of the four nitrogenous bases (G, C, A, T) in a DNA molecule. It outputs a series of letters representing the sequence.

The order of the bases (G, C, A, T) in a DNA molecule as determined by a DNA sequencer, presented as a string of letters.

Fluorescent markers attached to nucleotides used in DNA sequencing to visualize the sequence during the process.

The first generation of DNA sequencers developed in the early 2000s, based on the Sanger Sequencing method, which enabled the completion of the Human Genome Project.

A method used to determine the sequence of DNA by selectively terminating DNA replication, separating the fragments by size, and reading the sequence based on the order of fragments.

Automated electrophoresis systems that separate DNA fragments based on size and label them with fluorescent markers.

A controlled environment with extremely low levels of airborne particles, used for sensitive processes like semiconductor manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and scientific research.

Fume hoods are designed to minimize the exhaust volume when not in use, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

Cleanrooms are designed to keep contaminants out and prevent materials from escaping, ensuring a controlled environment.

Cleanrooms employ high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) and ultra-low particulate air (ULPA) filters to remove airborne contaminants.

To minimize particle generation, cleanrooms utilize specialized lighting fixtures, walls, equipment, and materials.

The process of combining short DNA sequences (reads) into longer contiguous sequences (contigs).

A type of local ventilation device designed to protect users from hazardous fumes, vapors, or dusts.

DNA sequencers that produce short reads, often a few hundred base pairs in length.

A type of safety cabinet that protects the user, the experiment, and the environment from potentially harmful substances.

A specialized enclosure that provides a sterile and controlled environment for working with hazardous materials.

A type of fume hood that relies on filtration to make the air safe before releasing it back into the room.

The process of determining the sequence of DNA bases in a specific region of DNA.

A type of fume hood that vents the contaminated air to the outside.

The process of determining the complete DNA sequence of an organism.

The length of a DNA fragment, often measured in base pairs.

A sliding window at the front of a fume hood that allows access to the work area while keeping the user safe from fumes.

A protective feature of fume hoods that warns when the sash is raised too high, potentially reducing air velocity and safety.

A type of ventilation system that uses fresh air only once before exhausting it.

A type of ventilation system that recirculates air within the laboratory, aiming to reduce energy consumption.

A system that adjusts the amount of air exhausted from a fume hood based on sash position, saving energy by reducing air flow when the sash is closed.

The component of a fume hood that houses essential controls like lights, exhaust fan, and alarms.

A safety feature in fume hoods that warns of low air flow, potentially indicating a malfunction in the ventilation system.

A type of glove box designed for extremely hazardous materials, isolating the user from all direct contact with the work material and tools.