Bioprocessing and Fermentation Flashcards
6 cards from real BACE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Bioprocessing and Fermentation flashcards as text
What is a bioreactor primarily used for in biotechnology?
Answer: To provide a controlled environment for growing microorganisms or cells to produce biological products
A bioreactor is a vessel designed to maintain optimal conditions (pH, temperature, oxygen, nutrients) for biological processes such as fermentation or cell culture.
What does the term 'sterile technique' mean in the context of bioprocessing?
Answer: Using methods that prevent contamination of cultures by unwanted microorganisms
Sterile technique encompasses all practices used to prevent introduction of contaminants into biological cultures during bioprocessing operations.
Which parameter is most critical to monitor during aerobic fermentation in a bioreactor?
Answer: Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration
Dissolved oxygen is critical because aerobic organisms require adequate oxygen for metabolism, and DO depletion can halt growth or shift metabolism.
What is the purpose of an autoclave in bioprocessing?
Answer: To sterilize media, equipment, and waste using steam under pressure
An autoclave uses saturated steam at 121°C and 15 psi for typically 15–20 minutes to kill all microorganisms including heat-resistant spores.
In batch fermentation, when does the 'stationary phase' occur?
Answer: When nutrient depletion causes the growth rate to equal the death rate, with no net change in cell number
The stationary phase occurs after exponential growth when nutrients become limiting and the rate of cell growth equals the rate of cell death.
What is 'upstream processing' in bioprocessing?
Answer: All steps involved in growing and harvesting cells or microorganisms, including media preparation and fermentation
Upstream processing encompasses all steps before product recovery, including strain selection, media preparation, inoculum development, and bioreactor operation.