Question:

How do biofertilisers enrich the fertility of the soil?

Answer:

1. Biofertilisers are organic materials that contain beneficial microorganisms which improve the fertility of the soil.

2. These microorganisms help to break down organic matter in the soil and release essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium which plants need to grow.

3. The microorganisms also help to increase the water holding capacity of the soil, making it more fertile.

4. Biofertilisers also promote the growth of beneficial organisms in the soil such as earthworms which help to aerate the soil and improve its structure.

5. These organisms also help to reduce the amount of harmful fungi and bacteria in the soil, making it healthier and more productive.

6. In addition, biofertilisers help to reduce the amount of chemical fertilisers used, which can be harmful to the environment.

Question:

What is sewage? In which way can sewage be harmful to us?

Answer:

1. Sewage is the wastewater that is produced by households and industries. It is a mixture of water, human waste, and other materials such as soaps and detergents.

2. Sewage can be harmful to us in a variety of ways. It can contaminate drinking water sources, leading to water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid. Sewage can also pollute rivers and lakes, leading to the death of fish and other aquatic life. Sewage can also contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals, which can be harmful if inhaled or ingested.

Question:

What is the key difference between primary and secondary sewage treatment?

Answer:

Step 1: Understand the terms ‘primary’ and ‘secondary’ sewage treatment.

Step 2: Research the key difference between primary and secondary sewage treatment.

Step 3: Answer the question: The key difference between primary and secondary sewage treatment is that primary treatment removes suspended solids and some organic matter from the wastewater, while secondary treatment removes dissolved organic matter and additional suspended solids.

Question:

Bacteria cannot be seen with the naked eyes, but these can be seen with the help of a microscope. If you have to carry a sample from your home to your biology laboratory to demonstrate the presence of microbes under a microscope, which sample would you carry and why?

Answer:

1. I would carry a sample of soil from my home, as it is a common habitat for bacteria.

2. I would make sure to place the sample in a clean, airtight container to avoid contamination.

3. I would also make sure to keep the sample at a suitable temperature, as bacteria require specific temperature ranges to survive.

4. Upon arriving at the laboratory, I would use aseptic technique to transfer the sample from the container onto a microscope slide.

5. I would then use the microscope to observe the sample for the presence of bacteria.

Question:

In which way have microbes played a major role in controlling diseases caused by harmful bacteria?

Answer:

Step 1: Understand the role of microbes in controlling diseases.

Step 2: Identify the types of microbes that are beneficial in controlling diseases caused by harmful bacteria.

Step 3: Research the various ways in which these beneficial microbes can be used to control diseases caused by harmful bacteria.

Step 4: Analyze the effectiveness of these methods in controlling diseases caused by harmful bacteria.

Step 5: Discuss the major role that microbes have played in controlling diseases caused by harmful bacteria.

Question:

Name any two species of fungus, which are used in the production of the antibiotics.

Answer:

1. Penicillium chrysogenum
2. Aspergillus niger

Question:

Give example to prove that microbes release gases during metabolism.

Answer:

1. Microbes are microscopic organisms that are found in many different environments, including soil, water, and air.

2. Metabolism is the process by which organisms convert energy from food into usable energy for their cells.

3. During metabolism, microbes release gases such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and methane.

4. A common example of this is the fermentation process, which is used to make beer and wine. During fermentation, yeast microbes convert sugar into alcohol and release carbon dioxide gas.

5. Another example is the process of anaerobic respiration, which is used by some bacteria to produce energy. During anaerobic respiration, bacteria release carbon dioxide and methane gases.

6. These examples demonstrate that microbes can release gases during metabolism.

Question:

Microbes can be used to decrease the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Explain how this can be accomplished.

Answer:

1. Microbes are beneficial organisms that can help improve soil fertility. They can break down organic matter and release essential nutrients into the soil, which can help plants grow and be healthier.

2. Microbes can also help to control harmful pests and diseases, by competing for resources or by releasing toxins that can kill the pests and diseases. This can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides, which are often harmful to the environment.

3. Additionally, microbes can help to improve soil structure, by increasing the amount of air and water that can be held in the soil. This can help plants to be more resilient to drought and other environmental stresses, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides.

4. Finally, microbes can help to improve the soil’s ability to retain nutrients, so that plants can make better use of the nutrients available. This can reduce the need for chemical fertilisers and pesticides, as the plants will be able to use the nutrients already present in the soil.

Question:

Find out the name of the microbes from which Cyclosporin A(an immunosuppressive drug) and Statins (blood chloestrol lowering agents) are obtained.

Answer:

Step 1: Research the names of the microbes from which Cyclosporin A and Statins are obtained.

Step 2: Consult scientific journals, textbooks, and other sources of information to find out the names of the microbes.

Step 3: Compare the information obtained from the various sources to verify the accuracy of the findings.

Step 4: Note down the names of the microbes from which Cyclosporin A and Statins are obtained.

Question:

Find out the role of microbes in the following and discuss it with your teacher. (a) Single cell protein(SCP) (b) Soil

Answer:

a) Single cell protein (SCP): Microbes play an important role in the production of single cell protein. SCP is a type of food made from microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, algae, or yeast. These microbes are grown in a controlled environment, and their proteins are extracted and used as a source of protein in food products.

b) Soil: Microbes are essential for the health of soil. They help to break down organic matter, release nutrients into the soil, and help to maintain a balanced environment for plants to grow. Microbes also help to protect plants from disease by competing with disease-causing organisms. In addition, microbes can help to improve soil structure, improve water and nutrient retention, and increase the availability of essential nutrients.

Question:

Three water samples namely river water, untreated sewage water and secondary effluent discharged from a sewage treatment plant were subjected to BOD test. The samples were labelled A, B and C; but the laboratory attendant did not note which was which. The BOD values of the three samples A, B and C were recorded as 20mg/L, 8mg/L and 400mg/L, respectively. Which sample of the water is most polluted? Can you assign the correct label to each assuming the river water is relatively clean?

Answer:

1. The BOD value of 400mg/L indicates that sample C is the most polluted.

2. Sample A has a BOD value of 20mg/L, so it is the least polluted and can be assumed to be the river water.

3. Sample B has a BOD value of 8mg/L, so it can be assumed to be the untreated sewage water.

4. Sample C has a BOD value of 400mg/L, so it can be assumed to be the secondary effluent discharged from a sewage treatment plant.

Question:

In which food would you find lactic acid bacteria? Mention some of their useful applications.

Answer:

Answer:

1. Lactic acid bacteria can be found in fermented foods such as yogurt, cheese, pickles, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
2. Some of the useful applications of lactic acid bacteria include: -Improving digestion by producing lactic acid, which helps break down food in the gut. -Producing vitamins, such as B12 and K2, which are beneficial for human health. -Producing enzymes that can help preserve food, such as the enzymes produced by lactobacillus, which helps to prevent food spoilage. -Producing antimicrobial compounds that can help prevent foodborne illnesses. -Producing compounds that can help reduce cholesterol levels in the body.

Question:

Do you think microbes can also be used as source of energy? If yes, how?

Answer:

1. Yes, microbes can be used as a source of energy.
2. Microbes can be used to generate energy through processes such as microbial fuel cells, microbial electrolysis cells, and biogas production.
3. Microbial fuel cells use the metabolic activity of microorganisms to convert chemical energy into electrical energy.
4. Microbial electrolysis cells use the metabolic activity of microorganisms to split water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, which can then be used as a fuel.
5. Biogas production involves using microorganisms to break down organic matter into methane, which can be used as a fuel.

Question:

Name some traditional Indian foods made of wheat, rice and Bengal gram(or their products) which involve use of microbes.

Answer:

1. Idli: Made from fermented batter of rice and black lentils.
2. Dosa: Made from fermented batter of rice and black lentils.
3. Roti: Made from wheat flour.
4. Naan: Made from wheat flour.
5. Pani Puri: Made from wheat flour and Bengal gram.
6. Dhokla: Made from fermented batter of Bengal gram and rice.
7. Khandvi: Made from fermented batter of Bengal gram and rice.
8. Pulao: Made from cooked rice and spices.
9. Biryani: Made from cooked rice and spices.
10. Upma: Made from semolina or cream of wheat.