CH:7 Introduction to Microbiology Solutions Class 10th | Introduction to Microbiology Questions And Answers SSC Class 10
Rewrite the following statement using correct of the option and explain the completed statement.
Process of -- -- -- -- of milk proteins occurs due to lactic acid.
Options:
- gluconic acid
- coagulation
- amino acid
- acetic acid
- Clostridium
- Lactobacilli
Solution:
Process of coagulation of milk proteins occurs due to lactic acid.
Explanation:
Coagulation is the process in which milk proteins clump together and form a solid mass. This occurs due to the action of lactic acid produced by Lactobacilli. The lactic acid lowers the pH, causing the proteins (mainly casein) to coagulate, leading to the formation of curd.
Rewrite the following statement using correct of the option and explain the completed statement.
Harmful bacteria in like -- -- -- in the intestine are destroyed due to probiotics.
Options:
- gluconic acid
- coagulation
- amino acid
- acetic acid
- Clostridium
- Lactobacilli
Solution:
Harmful bacteria like Clostridium in the intestine are destroyed due to probiotics.
Explanation:
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that promote a healthy gut environment. They help in maintaining the balance of good bacteria and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria like Clostridium, which can cause digestive issues and infections.
Rewrite the following statement using correct of the option and explain the completed statement.
Chemically, vinegar is -- -- --.
Options:
- gluconic acid
- coagulation
- amino acid
- acetic acid
- Clostridium
- Lactobacilli
Solution:
Chemically, vinegar is acetic acid.
Explanation:
Vinegar is mainly composed of acetic acid, which gives it its sour taste and strong smell. It is produced by the fermentation of ethanol by acetic acid bacteria. Vinegar is commonly used as a preservative, in cooking, and for cleaning purposes.
Salts which can be used as supplement of calcium and iron are obtained from ______ acid.
Options:
- gluconic acid
- coagulation
- amino acid
- acetic acid
- Clostridium
- Lactobacilli
Solution:
Salts which can be used as supplements of calcium and iron are obtained from gluconic acid.
Explanation:
Gluconic acid is an organic acid that helps in the formation of gluconates, which are used as mineral supplements for calcium and iron. These supplements are essential for maintaining strong bones and preventing iron deficiency-related conditions like anemia.
Match the pairs
| ‘A’ group | ‘B’ group |
|---|---|
| a. Xylitol | 1. Pigment |
| b. Citric acid | 2. To impart sweetness |
| c. Lycopene | 3. Microbial restrictor |
| d. Nycin | 4. Protein binding emulsifier |
| 5. To impart acidity |
Solution:
| ‘A’ group | Correct Match |
|---|---|
| a. Xylitol | 2. To impart sweetness |
| b. Citric acid | 5. To impart acidity |
| c. Lycopene | 1. Pigment |
| d. Nycin | 3. Microbial restrictor |
Explanation:
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used as a low-calorie sweetener in various food products.
Citric acid is an organic acid found in citrus fruits and is commonly used to add acidity to food and beverages.
Lycopene is a natural red pigment found in tomatoes and other red fruits, known for its antioxidant properties.
Nycin is an antimicrobial peptide used as a preservative in food products to inhibit bacterial growth.
Answer the following.
Which fuels can be obtained by microbial processes? Why is it necessary to increase the use of such fuels?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Definition: Microbial fuels are biofuels produced using microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and algae. These fuels are an alternative to fossil fuels and are renewable.
The fuels obtained by microbial processes include:
- Biogas: Produced by anaerobic bacteria from organic waste.
- Biodiesel: Derived from microalgae and certain bacteria.
- Bioethanol: Fermented from plant materials using yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).
- Biobutanol: Produced by Clostridium species.
Importance of increasing microbial fuel use:
- Microbial fuels are renewable and help reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
- They produce less pollution and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- They help in waste management by utilizing agricultural and industrial waste.
- They contribute to energy security by providing sustainable energy sources.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Microorganisms help make eco-friendly fuels that reduce pollution.
Fuels like biogas, biodiesel, and bioethanol are made using bacteria and yeast. These fuels are better for the environment because they do not create harmful gases like fossil fuels. Using more microbial fuels helps save natural resources and keeps the air clean.
How can the oil spills of rivers and oceans be cleaned?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Definition: Oil spills occur when petroleum or other hydrocarbon-based products are accidentally released into water bodies, causing environmental damage.
Methods to clean oil spills include:
- Bioremediation: Using oil-eating bacteria like Pseudomonas and Alcanivorax to break down oil.
- Oil Booms: Floating barriers used to contain oil spills.
- Skimmers: Devices that remove oil from the water surface.
- Dispersants: Chemicals that break oil into smaller droplets for faster decomposition.
- Burning (In-situ burning): Controlled burning of spilled oil to reduce its spread.
- Sorbents: Materials like sponge or peat moss that absorb oil.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Oil spills harm marine life, but they can be cleaned using different methods.
Oil-eating bacteria help break down the oil naturally. Special barriers, sponges, and machines are used to remove oil from the water. In some cases, burning the oil or using chemicals helps clean the spill faster.
How can the soil polluted by acid rain be made fertile again?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Definition: Acid rain occurs when sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOₓ) react with water in the atmosphere, forming acidic precipitation that damages soil fertility.
Methods to restore soil fertility:
- Liming: Adding lime (calcium carbonate) to neutralize soil acidity.
- Organic Matter: Using compost or manure to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
- Crop Rotation: Growing different crops to balance soil nutrients.
- Adding Gypsum: Helps improve soil structure and reduce toxicity.
- Using Alkaline Fertilizers: Helps balance soil pH and enhance fertility.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Acid rain damages soil, but we can restore its fertility with simple methods.
Farmers add lime to balance the soil’s pH and make it healthy again. Using compost and rotating crops also helps improve soil quality and make it fertile for plants.
Explain the importance of biopesticides in organic farming.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Definition: Biopesticides are natural pesticides derived from microorganisms, plants, or minerals that help control pests in an eco-friendly manner.
Importance of biopesticides in organic farming:
- They are biodegradable and do not harm soil fertility.
- They target specific pests, reducing harm to beneficial insects.
- They prevent pesticide resistance in pests.
- They are safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
- They improve soil microbial activity and enhance crop yield.
- Examples include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for insect control and neem-based pesticides.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Biopesticides are natural pest killers that protect crops safely.
Unlike chemical pesticides, biopesticides do not harm the environment or soil. They help farmers grow healthy crops while keeping pests away. For example, neem and bacteria-based pesticides help in pest control without polluting the land.
Which are the reasons for increasing the popularity of probiotic products?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Definition: Probiotic products contain beneficial live microorganisms that improve gut health and digestion.
Reasons for their increasing popularity:
- They help maintain a healthy gut microbiome.
- They boost immunity and prevent infections.
- They improve digestion and nutrient absorption.
- They help treat digestive disorders like diarrhea and constipation.
- They reduce the risk of allergies and inflammation.
- Examples include yogurt, kefir, and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Probiotics are good bacteria that keep our stomach healthy.
People love probiotic foods like yogurt and fermented drinks because they help in digestion, fight infections, and keep the body strong. Eating these foods daily makes our gut healthy and improves overall well-being.
How are bread and other products produced using baker’s yeast nutritious?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Definition: Baker’s yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is a fungus used in baking to ferment dough, making it soft and fluffy.
How it makes bread nutritious:
- Yeast fermentation produces vitamins like B-complex vitamins.
- It improves protein content in bread.
- It helps in better digestion by breaking down complex carbohydrates.
- It enhances the taste and texture of food products.
- It increases the bioavailability of minerals like iron and zinc.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Baker’s yeast makes bread soft, tasty, and full of nutrients.
When yeast ferments, it adds vitamins and proteins to bread, making it healthier. It also helps our body absorb minerals like iron, making bread more nutritious.
Which precautions are necessary for proper decomposition of domestic waste?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Definition: Decomposition of domestic waste is the process where organic waste is broken down by microorganisms into simpler substances, helping in waste management and environmental protection.
Precautions for proper decomposition of domestic waste:
- Separate biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste.
- Compost kitchen waste like vegetable peels and food scraps.
- Avoid mixing plastic, glass, and metal with organic waste.
- Use compost bins for faster decomposition.
- Maintain proper moisture levels to support microbial activity.
- Avoid using chemical waste in compost as it harms microorganisms.
- Turn the compost pile regularly for proper aeration.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
We should manage household waste properly to keep our environment clean.
We must separate food waste from plastic and metal. Kitchen waste like vegetable peels can be turned into compost, which helps plants grow. Keeping waste dry and mixing it regularly helps it decompose faster.
Why is it necessary to ban the use of plastic bags?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Definition: Plastic bags are non-biodegradable materials made from synthetic polymers that cause severe environmental pollution.
Reasons to ban plastic bags:
- They do not decompose, leading to long-term pollution.
- They block drainage systems, causing waterlogging and floods.
- They harm animals who consume plastic waste.
- They release toxic chemicals when burned, polluting the air.
- They degrade soil fertility when mixed with soil.
- They contribute to marine pollution, endangering aquatic life.
- Alternatives like cloth and paper bags are eco-friendly.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Plastic bags harm nature and should be banned.
Plastic bags do not break down easily and pollute water, soil, and air. Animals eat plastic waste and get sick. Instead, we should use paper or cloth bags to protect the environment.
Complete the following conceptual picture.
Solution
Give a scientific reason.
Use of mutant strains has been increased in industrial microbiology.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Mutant strains are widely used in industrial microbiology due to their ability to enhance productivity and efficiency in various biotechnological processes.
- Increased Yield: Mutant strains are genetically modified to produce higher quantities of desired products like antibiotics, enzymes, and biofuels.
- Enhanced Resistance: These strains are resistant to toxic substances, making them more suitable for large-scale fermentation.
- Faster Growth Rate: Mutants often have an accelerated metabolism, reducing production time and costs.
- Improved Quality: They can be tailored to enhance the purity and effectiveness of biochemical products.
Thus, the use of mutant strains in industrial microbiology has revolutionized various industries, including pharmaceuticals, food processing, and bioengineering.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Scientists use special types of microbes called mutant strains in industries because they work better than normal microbes. Here’s why:
- More Product: Mutant microbes make more useful substances like medicines and enzymes.
- Stronger: They can survive in tough conditions and keep working efficiently.
- Faster Growth: They grow quickly, helping in faster production.
- Better Quality: The products they make are cleaner and more effective.
This helps industries produce important things like vaccines, bread, and biofuels in a better way.
Give a scientific reason.
Enzymes obtained by microbial process are mixed with detergents.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Enzymes obtained from microbial sources are added to detergents because they enhance the cleaning process effectively.
- Breakdown of Stains: Microbial enzymes like proteases, lipases, and amylases help break down proteins, fats, and starches present in stains.
- Eco-friendly: These enzymes are biodegradable and do not harm the environment, unlike chemical detergents.
- Effective at Low Temperatures: Enzyme-based detergents work efficiently in cold water, saving energy.
- Fabric Protection: Unlike harsh chemicals, enzymes do not damage clothes while removing stains.
Thus, microbial enzymes improve the effectiveness of detergents and make them more sustainable.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Washing powders contain special substances called enzymes that come from microbes. These enzymes help clean clothes better:
- Removes Stains: Enzymes break down food, oil, and dirt stuck on clothes.
- Safe for Nature: Unlike chemicals, they do not pollute water.
- Works in Cold Water: Clothes can be washed in cool water, saving electricity.
- Keeps Clothes Safe: Enzymes clean without damaging fabrics.
This is why microbial enzymes are mixed with detergents for better cleaning.
Give a scientific reason.
Microbial enzymes are used instead of chemical catalysts in the chemical industry.
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Microbial enzymes are preferred over chemical catalysts in industries due to their efficiency, specificity, and sustainability.
- High Specificity: Enzymes act on specific substrates, reducing unwanted side reactions.
- Eco-friendly: Unlike chemical catalysts, enzymes do not produce toxic byproducts.
- Low Energy Requirement: They function efficiently at moderate temperatures and pressures, saving energy.
- Biodegradable: Microbial enzymes break down naturally, making them environmentally safe.
Due to these advantages, microbial enzymes play a crucial role in pharmaceutical, textile, and food industries.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Factories use enzymes made by microbes instead of harmful chemicals because:
- Safer: Enzymes only react with what is needed, preventing waste.
- Nature-friendly: They do not create harmful pollution.
- Less Heat Needed: Enzymes work at normal temperatures, saving fuel.
- Easily Breaks Down: Once used, they dissolve naturally without harming the environment.
This makes enzyme-based processes safer and cheaper for industries.
Complete the following conceptual picture with respect to uses.
Solution:
Here is a conceptual diagram representing various uses:
Complete the following conceptual picture related to environmental management.
Solution:
This diagram highlights various strategies and techniques used in environmental conservation and sustainability.
What is the role of microbes in compost production?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Composting is a biological process where microorganisms like bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes break down organic waste into nutrient-rich compost. These microbes decompose complex organic matter such as cellulose, proteins, and fats into simpler compounds.
The key steps of microbial composting include:
- Mesophilic Phase: Initial breakdown of organic matter by mesophilic bacteria.
- Thermophilic Phase: Heat-resistant microbes like Bacillus and Actinobacteria decompose complex materials.
- Maturation Phase: Fungi and other microbes stabilize the compost, making it nutrient-rich.
Microbial action in composting improves soil fertility, enhances water retention, and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Microbes help break down waste like food scraps and plant material to turn them into compost. This compost improves soil quality and makes plants grow better. Examples of microbes used in composting include bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes.
What are the benefits of mixing ethanol with petrol and diesel?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Mixing ethanol with petrol and diesel is known as ethanol blending. It helps in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and improves fuel efficiency.
Key benefits:
- Reduces air pollution: Ethanol burns cleaner than petrol, reducing CO and hydrocarbon emissions.
- Enhances octane rating: Ethanol improves the fuel’s combustion efficiency.
- Renewable fuel: Ethanol is derived from plant sources like sugarcane and maize, making it sustainable.
- Reduces crude oil imports: Blending ethanol lowers reliance on imported fuel.
Formula:
$$ C_2H_5OH + O_2 → CO_2 + H_2O + Energy $$
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Ethanol is added to petrol and diesel to make fuel more eco-friendly. It reduces air pollution and improves engine performance. Ethanol is made from plants like sugarcane, making it a renewable source of energy.
Which plants are cultivated to obtain fuel?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Certain plants are grown specifically to produce biofuels such as ethanol and biodiesel. These include:
- Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum): Used for ethanol production.
- Maize (Zea mays): A major source of bioethanol.
- Jatropha (Jatropha curcas): Used for biodiesel production.
- Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis): Provides palm oil for biodiesel.
- Algae: Used to produce third-generation biofuels.
These plants are cultivated as they provide an alternative to fossil fuels and help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Some plants can be used to make fuel. For example, sugarcane and maize are used to make ethanol, while jatropha and palm trees produce oils that can be used as biodiesel. Algae can also be used to make fuel.
Which fuels are obtained from biomass?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Biomass fuels are derived from organic matter such as plants, agricultural waste, and animal waste. These are considered renewable energy sources. The main fuels obtained from biomass include:
- Biogas: Produced from the anaerobic decomposition of organic waste by microbes. It mainly consists of methane ($$ CH_4 $$) and carbon dioxide ($$ CO_2 $$).
- Biodiesel: Derived from vegetable oils or animal fats through transesterification.
- Bioethanol: A type of alcohol ($$ C_2H_5OH $$) obtained from the fermentation of sugarcane, maize, or wheat.
- Wood and Charcoal: Traditional biomass fuels used for heating and cooking.
- Algal Biofuels: Liquid fuels extracted from algae, known as third-generation biofuels.
Biomass fuels are sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels and help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Fuels made from plants, animal waste, and organic materials are called biomass fuels. Examples include:
- Biogas: Made from waste like cow dung and food scraps.
- Biodiesel: Oil from plants like jatropha is used to make diesel.
- Bioethanol: Sugarcane and maize are used to make alcohol fuel.
- Wood and Charcoal: Used for cooking and heating.
- Algal Biofuels: Fuels made from algae.
How does the bread become spongy?
Solution 1: Scientific and Written Exam Answer
Bread becomes spongy due to the process of fermentation carried out by yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). When yeast is added to dough, it ferments the sugar present in the flour and produces carbon dioxide ($$ CO_2 $$) gas and alcohol.
$$ C_6H_{12}O_6 → 2 C_2H_5OH + 2 CO_2 + \text{Energy} $$
The carbon dioxide ($$ CO_2 $$) gas gets trapped in the dough, forming air pockets, which cause the dough to rise. During baking, the heat makes these air pockets expand, giving the bread its soft and spongy texture.
Solution 2: Simple and Understandable Answer
Bread becomes spongy because of tiny bubbles of gas. When we add yeast to the dough, it eats the sugar and produces gas. This gas gets trapped in the dough, making it rise. When we bake the dough, these bubbles expand, making the bread light and fluffy.