BIOLOGY 5090 · STRUCTURED PRACTICE
A biotechnology company uses an industrial batch fermenter to produce a commercial therapeutic enzyme using a strain of genetically engineered bacteria. The graph illustrates changes in glucose substrate, bacterial biomass, and enzyme product concentration over a 48-hour cycle.
State the definition of the term biotechnology.
State two reasons why bacteria and fungi are particularly suitable for large-scale commercial processes in fermenters.
Describe the function of the water jacket surrounding the fermenter during the exponential growth phase (12 to 36 hours).
Explain why sterile air must be bubbled through the fermenter rather than unfiltered atmospheric air.
Using the graph, identify the time period during which the rate of enzyme product formation is greatest.
Explain why the rate of enzyme product formation reaches a plateau and ceases to increase after 36 hours.
Total: 11 marks