Microorganisms in Industrial Microbiology

Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason for using the rRNA sequence in classification?

It changes rapidly over time.

It is highly variable among species.

It is not found in all living things.

It is identical in all ribosomes. (correct)

Which group of organisms is considered eucaryotic in the current classification system?

Bacteria

Archaea

Fungi

Eukarya (correct)

How do 16S and 18S rRNA sequences aid in evolutionary classification?

They provide genetic material for cloning.

They contain sequences that change quickly.

They allow comparisons of distantly related species. (correct)

They remain unchanged across different organisms.

What defining feature distinguishes Archaea and Bacteria from Eukarya?

Cellular organization as procaryotes. Signup and view all the answers

Why must an evolutionary time-keeper be capable of reflecting differences with time?

To link all living things back to their origins. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of 16S and 18S rRNA that makes them suitable for phylogenetic studies?

They are highly conserved across different taxa. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about ribosomes is correct?

All living things possess ribosomes. Signup and view all the answers

What role do variable sequences in rRNA play in studying evolutionary relationships?

They help estimate the evolutionary distance. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes actinomycetes from fungi?

They are smaller in diameter. Signup and view all the answers

What is the best-known genus of actinomycetes recognized for its antibiotic production?

Streptomyces Signup and view all the answers

Which enzyme is NOT mentioned as an enzyme involved in the fermentation of glucose?

Pepsin Signup and view all the answers

Why are actinomycetes tempting candidates for searching bioactive microbial metabolites?

They are primarily soil dwellers. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following enzymes is involved in the homofermentative pathway?

Alcohol dehydrogenase Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic is common among actinomycetes?

Presence of branching filamentous hyphae. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary application of the secondary metabolites produced by actinomycetes?

Pharmaceuticals. Signup and view all the answers

Which lactic acid bacteria is commonly associated with the fermentation process?

Lactococcus lactis Signup and view all the answers

What factor contributes about 20% of the cost of the finished product in fermentation processes?

Aeration Signup and view all the answers

Which property is desirable in an organism for successful genetic manipulation in fermentation?

Amendable to genetic manipulation Signup and view all the answers

Why should the organism used in fermentation not be too highly demanding of oxygen?

It raises operational costs significantly Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following processes is NOT related to fermentation costs mentioned?

Product concentration Signup and view all the answers

What should an effective organism strain possess to be more acceptable in terms of properties during fermentation?

Easier genetic manipulation Signup and view all the answers

In what aspect do the readings contribute mainly to the understanding of fermentation?

Microbial systematics Signup and view all the answers

What could be a potential downside of organisms that demand high levels of oxygen during fermentation?

High operational and equipment costs Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following suggested readings focuses on lactic acid bacteria?

Ahrne, S. 2000 Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of all Proteobacteria?

They are all Gram-negative and have an outer membrane. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements correctly differentiates Acetobacter from Gluconobacter?

Acetobacter can oxidize acetic acid further to CO2, whereas Gluconobacter cannot. Signup and view all the answers

What type of metabolism do most members of the Proteobacteria exhibit?

Facultatively or obligately anaerobic and heterotrophic. Signup and view all the answers

Which group of bacteria within the Proteobacteria is known for its reddish pigmentation?

Purple bacteria. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Acetic Acid Bacteria?

They participate in the complete oxidation of alcohol. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisms within the Proteobacteria is recognized for its industrial potential due to alcohol production?

Zymomonas. Signup and view all the answers

How do most Proteobacteria move?

They typically utilize flagella for movement. Signup and view all the answers

What are the main industrially important organisms in the Proteobacteria group?

Acetobacter and Gluconobacter. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for the classification of bacteria in Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology?

16S RNA sequences Signup and view all the answers

Which group is considered the most evolutionarily primitive among the phyla in bacteria?

Aquiflex Signup and view all the answers

Who was the first Chairman of the Board of the Society of American Bacteriologists that contributed to the publication of Bergey Manuals?

Dr D H Bergey Signup and view all the answers

In which year was Volume 3 of Bergey’s Manual published?

2006 Signup and view all the answers

Which bacterial phyla are predominantly used in industrial microbiology and biotechnology?

Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Actinobacteria Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Classification of Microorganisms

Modern classification relies on ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences, specifically 16S for prokaryotes and 18S for eukaryotes.
rRNA is universally distributed, preserving essential functions across all living organisms.
Slow evolutionary changes in rRNA sequences allow for comparison of both closely and distantly related species.

Groups of Living Organisms

Living organisms are classified into three domains: Archae, Bacteria, and Eukarya.
Archae and Bacteria are prokaryotic, while Eukarya are eukaryotic.
Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology, based on 16S RNA sequences, categorizes Domain Bacteria into 18 phyla.

Bergey’s Manual of Systematic Bacteriology

Volume 1 (2001): Archae and deeply branching phototrophic bacteria.
Volume 2 (2005): Proteobacteria.
Volume 3 (2006): Low G+C Gram-positive bacteria.
Volume 4 and 5 scheduled for publication in 2007, focusing on high G+C Gram-positive bacteria and various other groups.

Proteobacteria

A diverse major group including pathogens like Escherichia, Salmonella, Vibrio, and Helicobacter.
Acetic acid bacteria: Acetobacter (peritrichously flagellated) and Gluconobacter (polarly flagellated) are crucial for vinegar production.
Proteobacteria are Gram-negative, possessing lipopolysaccharide-rich outer membranes, with varied metabolic types.

Acetic Acid Bacteria

Acetobacter can oxidize acetic acid to carbon dioxide, while Gluconobacter lacks the complete citric acid cycle.
They thrive at acidic pH levels (5.0 or lower).
Corynebacterium species are significant for amino acid production.

Actinomycetes

Characterized by branching filamentous hyphae resembling fungi but classified as bacteria due to cell wall structure.
Renowned for secondary metabolite production, leading to pharmaceutical applications, primarily from the genus Streptomyces.
Actinomycetes are predominantly found in soil environments.

Eucarya: Fungi

Fungi and their cell cultures are common in biotechnology, though microorganisms are preferred due to lower oxygen demand, impacting production costs.
Genetic manipulability is a desirable characteristic for optimizing strains in industrial processes.

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Description

Explore the journey of microorganisms commonly used in industrial microbiology and biotechnology. Understand the significance of ribosomal RNA sequences in today's classification and their crucial role in cellular functions. This quiz will test your knowledge on the essential concepts and categories of microorganisms.