Question 1

Industrial fermentation practice: To maintain aseptic (sterile) conditions throughout a batch or fed-batch run, which measures are required?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Asepsis is critical in bioprocessing to prevent contamination that can ruin yields and product quality. Maintaining sterility is a system-level discipline, not a single step. Given Data / Assumptions: A typical aerobic fermentor requires sterile vessel, sterile media, and sterile air. Mechanical assemblies (seals, impellers) must not introduce contaminants. Continuous operation demands asepsis for the entire duration. Concept / Approach: Sterilisation-in-place (SIP) and clean-in-place (CIP) prepare the fermentor. Inlet gases are sterilised via filters. Agitation/aeration hardware must use sanitary design (mechanical seals, steam barriers) to keep the system closed and sterile under operating conditions. Step-by-Step Solution: Confirm the vessel and media are sterilised.Ensure the air supply is sterilised before entry.Operate agitation/aeration through sterile, sanitary fittings to maintain asepsis. Verification / Alternative check: GMP guidelines and standard bioprocess manuals prescribe all three elements as mandatory for aseptic fermentation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Any single measure alone is insufficient; contamination can occur via unsterile air or mechanical ingress.“None” contradicts industrial practice. Common Pitfalls: Assuming air sparging is inherently sterile; it must pass through validated filters and sterile piping. Final Answer: All of these.

Question 2

Kinetics of alcoholic fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Under standard batch conditions after inoculation, ethanol production becomes measurably detectable within approximately how many hours?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: In ethanol fermentations using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the time to detectable ethanol depends on inoculum size, sugar concentration, temperature, and aeration strategy. A typical benchmark question asks when ethanol production is first evident in a standard batch. Given Data / Assumptions: Conventional batch at about 30 °C with a reasonable inoculum. Glucose or molasses substrate with minimal oxygen (facultative anaerobic metabolism). Detectable ethanol by routine assays (for example, GC or enzymatic kits). Concept / Approach: After a short lag, yeast enters exponential growth and begins active glycolysis. Ethanol production accompanies growth under oxygen-limited conditions. Many teaching references cite first measurable ethanol near the 12-hour mark for standard batches. Step-by-Step Solution: Consider the lag and early exponential phases (several hours).Associate onset of vigorous glycolysis with ethanol generation.Select the commonly taught benchmark of ~12 h for detectable levels under typical conditions. Verification / Alternative check: Brewing and fuel ethanol training manuals often show initial ethanol detection within the first 8–16 hours; 12 h is a representative midpoint. Why Other Options Are Wrong: 10 h / 15 h / 24 h / 48 h: possible under some conditions, but 12 h is the most widely cited rule-of-thumb for standard batches in education-oriented problems. Common Pitfalls: Forgetting how inoculum size and temperature shift timelines; higher inoculum or warmer conditions can shorten the time, while cooler or stressed conditions may delay it. Final Answer: 12 h.

Question 3

Fermentor hydrodynamics: What internal hardware is primarily used to suppress vortex formation and improve gas–liquid dispersion (aeration efficiency) in a stirred tank?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Good mixing and gas dispersion are vital for oxygen transfer. Vortex formation wastes power and reduces mass transfer; proper internals prevent this and enhance performance. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard baffled stirred tank reactor. Goal is to reduce swirling vortex and improve aeration. Gas is introduced via a sparger; agitation by an impeller. Concept / Approach: Baffles are vertical strips mounted on the vessel wall. They break tangential flow, reduce vortexing, and promote top-to-bottom circulation, which in turn improves bubble dispersion and oxygen transfer. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify vortex cause: excessive tangential flow.Apply solution: wall baffles disrupt swirl and enhance axial mixing.Select “Baffles” as the primary hardware for this function. Verification / Alternative check: Design handbooks recommend 4 baffles at about 1/10 vessel diameter for optimal performance. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Impeller: provides power input but does not by itself suppress vortexing.Sparger: introduces gas; not used to prevent vortex.Draft tube / Foam breaker: different purposes. Common Pitfalls: Assuming higher impeller speed alone will improve dispersion; without baffles, it worsens vortexing. Final Answer: Baffles.

Question 4

End-of-batch handling in ethanol production: After fermentation is complete, separated yeast biomass can be used for which purposes?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Downstream processing in ethanol plants includes separating yeast solids. This biomass has value beyond disposal, supporting circular and sustainable operations. Given Data / Assumptions: Yeast is non-pathogenic industrial Saccharomyces. Biomass is separated via centrifugation or filtration. Quality and regulations permit appropriate reuse. Concept / Approach: Separated yeast can be reused as pitching yeast (recycle), processed and sold as SCP for animal feed due to high protein content and vitamins, or composted as nutrient-rich organic matter for agriculture. Step-by-Step Solution: List common fates of spent yeast.Check technical and regulatory feasibility of each route.Select the inclusive option “All of the above.” Verification / Alternative check: Brewing and bioethanol industries routinely implement these routes depending on economics and regulations. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Single uses alone omit other valid and common applications.“None” contradicts widespread practice. Common Pitfalls: Skipping quality checks (for example, contamination, heavy metals) before using as feed. Final Answer: All of the above.

Question 5

Aeration hardware in stirred-tank bioreactors: Which device is specifically responsible for introducing air (or oxygen-containing gas) into the culture medium?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Efficient gas–liquid mass transfer requires both gas introduction and good mixing. Different internals serve distinct roles; correctly identifying them is essential for troubleshooting oxygen transfer problems. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard stirred tank with bottom or ring sparger. Agitation supplied by an impeller; baffles prevent vortex. Objective is to name the component that introduces gas. Concept / Approach: The sparger is a perforated ring or nozzle assembly that releases gas bubbles into the liquid. The impeller then disperses these bubbles; baffles improve dispersion by disrupting swirl. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify function–component mapping: gas introduction = sparger.Exclude components serving other functions (mixing, stabilization, sealing).Select “Sparger.” Verification / Alternative check: Bioreactor P&IDs and manuals label spargers as the gas inlet distribution device. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Impeller: mixes but does not introduce gas.Baffles: flow control, not gas entry.Mechanical seal / Sight glass: unrelated to aeration. Common Pitfalls: Assuming higher impeller speed alone increases oxygen transfer without adequate sparger design. Final Answer: Sparger.

Question 6

Optimising conditions for ethanol fermentation by Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Which combination of pH and temperature is most appropriate for high-yield ethanol production?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Ethanol productivity depends strongly on pH and temperature. Saccharomyces cerevisiae generally prefers mildly acidic pH and moderate temperatures for robust fermentation and reduced contamination risk. Given Data / Assumptions: Industrial ethanol fermentation using S. cerevisiae. Batch or fed-batch with glucose/molasses substrate. Goal: maximize yield and productivity while maintaining yeast health. Concept / Approach: Typical optimal ranges are pH about 4.5–5.5 and temperature around 28–32 °C. pH near 5 discourages bacterial contaminants and supports yeast metabolism; 30 °C is a standard setpoint balancing rate and viability. Step-by-Step Solution: Match yeast optima to provided choices.Select pH 5 with 30 °C as the best combination.Exclude higher pH or higher temperature options that can impair performance or increase contamination. Verification / Alternative check: Brewing and fuel ethanol references commonly recommend pH ~5 and 30 °C for S. cerevisiae ferments. Why Other Options Are Wrong: pH 6 and/or 35 °C: shift away from common optima; may increase stress or contamination risk.pH 7; 25 °C: not typical for vigorous ethanol fermentation. Common Pitfalls: Running at too high a temperature; even small increases can raise by-product formation and reduce viability. Final Answer: pH 5; temperature 30 °C.

Question 7

Comparing ethanologens: Why does Zymomonas (for example, Zymomonas mobilis) offer advantages over yeast in certain high-sugar ethanol fermentations?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Zymomonas mobilis is an alternative ethanologen to Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Its physiology offers benefits in specific process scenarios, especially with high sugar concentrations and target high ethanol titers. Given Data / Assumptions: High-gravity fermentations with elevated osmolarity. Goal: rapid conversion and high ethanol yield. Comparison with conventional yeast performance. Concept / Approach: Zymomonas uses the Entner–Doudoroff pathway, enabling high specific sugar uptake and ethanol productivity. It can tolerate high osmotic pressures and substantial ethanol concentrations in certain settings, making it competitive for specific substrates and conditions. Step-by-Step Solution: List physiological advantages: osmotic tolerance, ethanol tolerance, high specific rates.Confirm they translate to process benefits (productivity, final titer).Select the inclusive option “All of the above.” Verification / Alternative check: Applied microbiology literature documents Zymomonas advantages in high-gravity fermentation, while noting limitations (substrate range, nutrient needs). Why Other Options Are Wrong: Individual advantages alone understate the multi-factor benefits.“None” contradicts documented performance features. Common Pitfalls: Assuming Zymomonas universally outperforms yeast; strain engineering and substrate composition matter. Final Answer: All of the above.

Question 8

Substrate selection for fuel ethanol: Why can’t a standard Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain be used directly on starch-rich feedstocks (for example, corn starch) without prior processing?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Fuel ethanol plants often process starchy grains. However, yeast primarily ferments simple sugars like glucose and cannot directly degrade native starch polymers. Given Data / Assumptions: Typical S. cerevisiae strains lack significant extracellular amylase activity. Starch requires hydrolysis (liquefaction and saccharification) to glucose or maltose. Industrial processes add enzymes (alpha-amylase, glucoamylase) or use engineered microbes. Concept / Approach: Polysaccharides must be enzymatically broken into fermentable sugars. Without amylases, yeast cannot access starch; therefore, pretreatment is essential before fermentation. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the substrate: starch (polymer of glucose).Recognize the missing capability in standard yeast: amylase secretion.Conclude that pretreatment with amylases (or engineered strains) is required. Verification / Alternative check: Commercial ethanol processes universally include liquefaction/saccharification steps prior to yeast fermentation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “Starch is never suitable”: false; it is widely used after hydrolysis.Pentose conversion: starch yields hexoses, not pentoses.Ethanol inhibits amylase in yeast: yeast lacks the enzymes to begin with.Dissolution alone does not enable fermentation without hydrolysis. Common Pitfalls: Confusing yeast’s ability to ferment maltose/glucose with the ability to hydrolyse raw starch. Final Answer: It does not possess amylase enzymes needed to hydrolyse starch into fermentable sugars.

Question 9

Effect of product toxicity in industrial fermentation In the context of ethanol (ethyl alcohol) fermentations, what is the biological effect of a high ethanol concentration in the broth on the growth of microbial cells such as brewing or fuel-ethano…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Ethanol is both the desired product and, at sufficiently high concentrations, a potent stressor for microbial cells. Understanding how rising ethanol levels feed back on cell physiology is crucial for designing robust fermentations in brewing, winemaking, and biofuel production. Given Data / Assumptions: Ethanol is produced by fermentative yeasts (for example, Saccharomyces species). “High ethanol concentration” refers to levels approaching the organism’s tolerance limit (often around 10–18% v/v for industrial yeasts, strain dependent). We are evaluating the net effect on growth rate and viability. Concept / Approach: Ethanol perturbs membrane integrity, protein folding, and ion homeostasis. As ethanol accumulates, membrane fluidity changes and transport processes are disrupted, leading to slower growth and eventual loss of viability. Thus, ethanol is self-inhibitory to the producer microbe above strain-specific thresholds. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the organism: fermentative yeasts (e.g., Saccharomyces) are the main ethanol producers.Relate product accumulation to physiology: ethanol at high levels increases membrane disorder and denatures proteins.Connect to process outcome: these stresses reduce specific growth rate and can arrest fermentation (“stuck” or “sluggish” fermentations).Conclude: high ethanol concentration inhibits yeast growth rather than promoting it. Verification / Alternative check: Industrial practice uses strain selection and process controls (temperature, oxygen pulses, nutrient supplementation) to enhance ethanol tolerance, confirming ethanol’s inhibitory nature at elevated levels. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Promotes yeast growth: incorrect; ethanol is toxic above modest levels. Promotes bacterial growth: high ethanol typically suppresses many bacteria. Inhibits bacterial growth: sometimes true, but the question asks about the effect on fermenting yeast specifically. Has no effect: contradicted by extensive literature and practice. Common Pitfalls: Assuming ethanol tolerance equals ethanol stimulation; ignoring temperature, pH, and nutrient status that modulate tolerance thresholds. Final Answer: Inhibits yeast growth

Question 10

Microorganisms commonly employed for ethanol production Which of the following microbes are used industrially for producing ethanol (in beverages or biofuels)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Ethanol is produced at industrial scale for beverages and fuels. Several microorganisms are routinely used because they combine high glycolytic flux with desirable tolerance and product yields. Given Data / Assumptions: The options list two Saccharomyces yeasts and one bacterium known for ethanologenesis. We are concerned with organisms that convert sugars to ethanol efficiently. Concept / Approach: Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the archetypal brewing and bioethanol yeast, while Saccharomyces uvarum (pastorianus) is used for lager fermentations. Zymomonas mobilis, a bacterium employing the Entner–Doudoroff pathway, exhibits high ethanol productivity and is used in certain fuel-ethanol processes. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize S. cerevisiae as a standard ethanol producer across industries.Identify S. uvarum as another beverage yeast adapted to low-temperature fermentations.Note Z. mobilis as an ethanologen used for high productivity in specific substrates.Therefore, all listed organisms are applicable to ethanol production. Verification / Alternative check: Industrial case studies and pilot plants have demonstrated successful fermentations using all three taxa under appropriate process conditions. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Each single-organism option is incomplete; multiple organisms are used. Lactococcus lactis primarily produces lactic acid, not ethanol, under standard conditions. Common Pitfalls: Overlooking bacteria like Z. mobilis because most people associate ethanol strictly with yeasts. Final Answer: All of these

Question 11

Feedstocks for ethanol manufacture Across beverage and fuel applications, which raw materials are used as substrates for industrial ethanol production?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Substrate choice determines the process route and cost structure in ethanol production. Fermentable sugars may be available directly (sucrose sources) or generated by pretreating and hydrolyzing polymeric carbohydrates. Given Data / Assumptions: Industrial processes use sugars derived from starch, sucrose, or cellulose/hemicellulose. Different pretreatments are required depending on feedstock. Concept / Approach: Starch must be liquefied and saccharified (alpha-amylase, glucoamylase). Sucrose streams like cane juice or molasses can be fermented after clarification. Lignocellulosics (wood, ag residues) need pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to yield hexoses and pentoses for fermentation. Step-by-Step Solution: Map each option to a known industrial route (starch-to-ethanol, cane-to-ethanol, cellulosic ethanol).Confirm that each can yield fermentable sugars suitable for ethanologens.Conclude that all listed feedstocks are valid for ethanol production. Verification / Alternative check: Commercial plants operate on corn (starch), sugarcane (sucrose), and pilot/commercial facilities on cellulosics, validating all routes. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “Only pure glucose”: unnecessarily restrictive and not representative of industry. Common Pitfalls: Ignoring pretreatment needs for lignocellulosics; assuming identical yields and inhibitors across substrates. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 12

Downstream processing of ethanol After alcoholic fermentation is complete, which primary unit operation is used to recover ethanol from the fermentation broth?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Fermentation produces a dilute ethanol solution mixed with water, cells, and residual solubles. The first major recovery step concentrates ethanol for beverages or fuels. Given Data / Assumptions: Ethanol is volatile relative to water and many broth components. We need a process that separates based on volatility, not solids removal alone. Concept / Approach: Distillation exploits differences in relative volatility of ethanol and water to concentrate ethanol. While solids removal steps (centrifugation/filtration) may precede or accompany processing, they do not recover ethanol by themselves. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify target: ethanol in an aqueous matrix.Select separation principle: volatility difference implies distillation.Note that beer stripping columns and rectification columns are standard in industry. Verification / Alternative check: Process flow diagrams universally show distillation as the core concentration step, followed by dehydration (e.g., molecular sieves) for fuel-grade ethanol. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Centrifugation/filtration: remove cells or particulates but do not selectively recover ethanol. Cell disruption: irrelevant; ethanol is extracellular. Spray drying: used for solids (e.g., yeast powder), not ethanol concentration. Common Pitfalls: Confusing cell harvest steps with product recovery; overlooking azeotrope behavior which requires dehydration after distillation for anhydrous ethanol. Final Answer: Distillation

Question 13

Mixing and mass transfer hardware in a stirred-tank fermentor Which components contribute to agitation and effective gas–liquid mass transfer inside a typical aerobic fermentor?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Efficient aerobic fermentation requires thorough mixing and high oxygen transfer rates. Vessel internals are designed to work together to achieve target kLa and homogeneous conditions. Given Data / Assumptions: Standard stirred-tank design with top- or bottom-driven impellers. Presence of baffles and a gas sparger typical for aerobic runs. Concept / Approach: The impeller provides mechanical energy, generating circulation loops and break-up of gas bubbles. Baffles disrupt swirl, increasing turbulence and preventing vortex formation. The sparger introduces gas that is then dispersed into fine bubbles by the impeller, increasing interfacial area. Step-by-Step Solution: Relate each component to its function: impeller (mixing), baffles (flow pattern control), sparger (gas introduction).Recognize synergy: impeller and baffles together maximize bubble dispersion and oxygen transfer.Conclude that all listed components contribute to agitation and mass transfer performance. Verification / Alternative check: Design manuals quantify kLa as a function of power input, gas flow, and internals configuration—demonstrating the combined roles. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Sight glass: useful operationally but does not create agitation or mass transfer. Common Pitfalls: Assuming the sparger alone ensures mixing; under-baffled tanks suffer vortexing and poor gas dispersion. Final Answer: All of these

Question 14

Role of yeast in bioprocessing and foods In which of the following products is yeast the primary microorganism responsible for the fermentation process?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Different fermented foods and industrial products rely on specific microbes. Recognizing the lead organism in each process is fundamental to bioprocess engineering and food microbiology. Given Data / Assumptions: Yeasts (e.g., Saccharomyces spp.) are renowned ethanologens. Several listed foods are predominantly bacterial fermentations. Concept / Approach: Yeasts convert sugars to ethanol and carbon dioxide via glycolysis and alcoholic fermentation. In contrast, acetic acid (vinegar) is produced by acetic acid bacteria (Acetobacter/Komagataeibacter) through ethanol oxidation, and yogurt/curd primarily uses lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus/Lactococcus). Cheese relies on lactic cultures and ripening microbes; some cheeses may include yeasts adjunctively, but not as the primary fermenter broadly. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify the product most directly linked to yeasts: ethanol.Exclude processes led by bacteria (acetic acid, yogurt) or mixed consortia with bacteria dominant (most cheeses).Select ethanol as the best match. Verification / Alternative check: Breweries, distilleries, and bioethanol plants use yeast starters or propagated yeast as the core biocatalyst. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Acetic acid: produced by aerobic acetic acid bacteria using ethanol as substrate. Cheese/curd: driven by lactic acid bacteria; yeasts may play niche roles in ripening for some styles. Tempeh: primarily Rhizopus mold, not yeast. Common Pitfalls: Generalizing yeast involvement across all fermented foods; roles vary dramatically by product. Final Answer: Ethyl alcohol (beverages and fuel ethanol)

Question 15

Sterilization of bioreactors prior to inoculation Which method is standard for sterilizing a stainless-steel fermentor vessel and associated lines before a production run?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sterility is essential to prevent contamination and ensure predictable fermentation performance. Large vessels and complex piping demand validated in situ sterilization methods. Given Data / Assumptions: Industrial fermentors are typically steam-rated stainless-steel systems. Goal is terminal sterilization of vessel, lines, and filters. Concept / Approach: Steam under pressure (121–134 °C) provides moist heat that denatures microbial proteins and nucleic acids effectively, penetrates crevices, and is practical for clean-in-place/steam-in-place operations. Dry heat ovens are impractical for large tanks; boiling at 100 °C may not achieve sterility for resistant spores or inaccessible areas. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify required lethality: moist heat at elevated temperature is industry standard.Match to method: SIP cycles deliver validated F0 values throughout the system.Exclude alternatives unsuitable for large, closed vessels. Verification / Alternative check: GMP facilities document SIP parameters and biological indicator results to verify sterilization. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Dry heat ovens: not feasible for intact, plumbed reactors. Boiling: insufficient sterilization assurance level. UV: limited line-of-sight, poor penetration; used for rooms, not complex piping. “All equally”: incorrect; SIP is the validated standard. Common Pitfalls: Ignoring valve bodies and dead legs during SIP; inadequate condensate removal reduces heat transfer. Final Answer: Steam under pressure (steam-in-place / SIP)

Question 16

Sterilizing the aeration stream for fermentations How is the air supplied to an aerobic fermentor typically sterilized before entering the vessel?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Sterile aeration is critical to prevent contamination in aerobic fermentations. Airborne microbes must be removed or inactivated prior to contact with sterile broth. Given Data / Assumptions: Industrial systems may combine prefilters and final sterilizing-grade filters. Some installations employ heat-based sterilizers when filtration is impractical. Concept / Approach: High-efficiency filtration removes microorganisms from the gas stream. Depth filters (fibrous) or granular beds serve as prefilters, while final membrane/HEPA stages achieve sterilization levels. Thermal units can kill organisms by high-temperature exposure in continuous flow systems. Step-by-Step Solution: Recognize filtration as the dominant approach (HEPA or sterilizing-grade gas filters at 0.2–0.3 µm rating).Account for prefiltration with granular or depth media to protect final filters and extend life.Include thermal/inactivation devices used in certain high-dust or specialty applications.Conclude multiple methods are valid; processes often combine them. Verification / Alternative check: Process design references specify filter trains (coalescer + prefilter + final sterile filter) and, in some cases, thermal sterilizers for plant-wide clean air networks. Why Other Options Are Wrong: “No treatment needed”: false; untreated air is a major contamination source. Common Pitfalls: Undersizing filters leading to pressure drop and bypass; neglecting condensate traps that can wet filters and reduce efficiency. Final Answer: All of the above

Question 17

Microorganisms in traditional industrial fermentations Which organism below is not traditionally used as the primary microbe in classic industrial fermentations (prior to modern recombinant DNA processes)?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Classical industrial fermentations focused on organisms that naturally produce large quantities of desired products under controllable conditions. Historically, certain genera dominated due to robustness and yield. Given Data / Assumptions: “Traditional” refers to pre-recombinant, large-scale processes (beer, wine, baking, organic acids, solvents, enzymes, antibiotics). Primary production organism is the focus, not contaminants or auxiliary roles. Concept / Approach: Yeasts (Saccharomyces) are central to ethanol and baking; Bacillus species produce enzymes and antibiotics; Lactobacillus drives lactic fermentations. Escherichia coli became prominent later for recombinant protein production, not as a traditional industrial production microbe. Pseudomonas has niche bioprocesses but was less central historically than Bacillus/yeasts/LAB. Step-by-Step Solution: List traditional flagship processes: brewing, winemaking, bread (yeast); lactic acid, yogurt (LAB); enzymes and antibiotics (Bacillus, Streptomyces).Note E. coli’s rise with recombinant DNA in the 1970s–1980s rather than in classic food/commodity fermentations.Select E. coli as not traditionally used as a primary organism. Verification / Alternative check: Industrial history texts emphasize yeasts, LAB, Bacillus, and filamentous fungi long before E. coli entered biopharma. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Yeast/Bacillus/Lactobacillus: foundational in traditional fermentations. Pseudomonas: less common but used in some specialty bioprocesses; still more traditional than E. coli for commodity foods. Common Pitfalls: Equating modern lab use of E. coli with historical industrial practice. Final Answer: Escherichia coli

Question 18

Operational modes for ethanol fermentation Which process modes are used in industry to produce ethanol at scale?

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Ethanol is produced in a variety of plant configurations. Choosing batch or continuous mode involves trade-offs among productivity, contamination risk, operational complexity, and product specifications. Given Data / Assumptions: Either beverages or fuel ethanol may be targeted. Strain, substrate, and facility design influence mode selection. Concept / Approach: Batch fermentation is widely used in beverage alcohol for flavor control and in many fuel plants due to simplicity and ease of cleaning. Continuous systems (single or multiple stirred tanks in series) can raise volumetric productivity and steady-state operation, but demand tight contamination control and stable feed quality. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify that both modes are technically feasible and commercially implemented.Relate mode to application: breweries/distilleries often batch; some fuel ethanol plants adopt continuous or fed-batch for higher throughput.Conclude that both (a) and (b) are correct. Verification / Alternative check: Process flow diagrams and plant case studies document both batch and continuous ethanol fermentors in operation. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Exclusive claims (“only one mode”) ignore industry diversity. Solid-state/perfusion options are not standard for ethanol production from aqueous mashes at commercial scale. Common Pitfalls: Assuming continuous is universally superior; contamination and cleaning cycles often favor batch/fed-batch in practice. Final Answer: Both (a) and (b) depending on plant design and product

Question 19

In industrial microbiology, Candida utilis (also known as Torula yeast) is used to ferment spent sulphite (sulfite) waste liquor from the pulp and paper industry. This feedstock contains a mixture of wood-derived sugars. Which sugars can C. utilis e…

Accepted Answer

Introduction / Context: Spent sulphite liquor is a by-product of wood pulping that contains a complex mixture of soluble sugars released from hemicellulose and cellulose. Selecting a microorganism that can utilize multiple sugar types is essential for efficient fermentation and waste valorization. Candida utilis is widely applied because it can metabolize a broad spectrum of sugars, enabling high conversion yields and single-cell protein production. Given Data / Assumptions: Feedstock: spent sulphite liquor rich in glucose, mannose, xylose, and other wood sugars. Organism: Candida utilis (Torula yeast) adapted to lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Goal: maximize sugar utilization and fermentation efficiency. Concept / Approach: The key requirement is pentose- and hexose-fermenting capacity. Many conventional yeasts (e.g., Saccharomyces cerevisiae) readily ferment hexoses but poorly ferment pentoses without engineering. C. utilis, however, can assimilate both sugar classes, making it suitable for mixed-sugar hydrolysates typical of lignocellulosic streams. Step-by-Step Solution: Identify sugar composition of spent sulphite liquor: contains hexoses (glucose, mannose) and pentoses (xylose, arabinose).Evaluate organism capabilities: C. utilis can utilize both sugar types for growth and product formation.Infer best match: the organism’s broad substrate range aligns with mixed-sugar feedstocks.Select the option indicating utilization of both hexoses and pentoses. Verification / Alternative check: Industrial practice and literature on single-cell protein production from pulp mill liquors consistently cite C. utilis because of its pentose assimilation, confirming the choice. Why Other Options Are Wrong: Hexoses only: ignores pentose-rich hemicellulose sugars. Pentoses only: C. utilis also ferments hexoses efficiently. None/Disaccharides only: contradicts established metabolic breadth. Common Pitfalls: Assuming all yeasts behave like S. cerevisiae; failing to consider the pentose fraction of lignocellulosic hydrolysates. Final Answer: Both hexoses and pentoses

Ethanol Production Questions