Microbiology And Biotechnology

Question 1

Give 3 examples of micro-organisms

Answer 1

Fungi, bacteria, viruses

Question 2

Give 3 beneficial effects of fungi

Answer 2

Act as decomposers
Used in antibiotics
Used to make flavoursome cheese

Question 3

Give 3 harmful effects of fungi

Answer 3

Cause athlete’s foot and ringworm
Cause food spoilage - mould
Cause dry rot of wood

Question 4

Give 3 beneficial effects of bacteria

Answer 4

Act as decomposers
Used in antibiotics
Used in yoghurt

Question 5

Give 3 harmful effects of bacteria

Answer 5

Cause common illnesses
Cause food spoilage - sour milk
Cause tooth decay

Question 6

How do you investigate the presence of micro organisms in air and soil?

Answer 6

1. Label 3 Peter dishes containing sterile nutrient agar A, B and C
2. Leave the lid off dish A for 10 minutes to expose it to air
3. Heat the inoculating loop and once cooled sprinkle soil over the agar in dish B. Replace the lid
4. Leave dish C unopened as a control
5. Place the 3 dishes upside down for 48 hours in an incubator at 25 degrees Celsius.
6. Bacteria grows in colonies on dish A and dish B but not C

Question 7

What illnesses are caused by viruses?

Answer 7

Common cold
Chicken Pox
Influenza

Question 8

What can biotechnology be used for?

Answer 8

Manufacturing enzymes
Baking and brewing
Antibiotics
Vaccines

Question 9

What is biotechnology?

Answer 9

The use of living things or parts of living things to produce useful products