Chapter 28, Problem 1R

What is industrial microbiology? Why is it important?

Summary Introduction

To review:

Industrial Microbiology and its importance

Introduction:

Industrial Microbiology involves using microbes in industrial processes like fermentation of foods, production of antibiotics, waste management and production of fuel, etc.

Explanation of Solution

Pictorial representation:

Explanation:

Industrial Microbiology is a division of microbiology which explores the uses of microorganisms in industrial processes.

The importance of Industrial Microbiology includes Fermentation Technologies where fermentation and large-scale production of alcohol (beer, wine), pickles, etc. can be done using microbes.

Yeast is used in food industries especially to ferment bread dough. Lactic acid bacteria is used for yogurt and buttermilk fermentation processes.

Bacillus thuringiensis is commonly used as a Biopesticide agent in agricultural fields.

Pharmaceutical industries involve large-scale production of antibiotics, e.g., penicillin from Penicillium and streptomycin from Streptomyces.

Bioremediation is a process of using microbes to remove toxic chemicals from contaminated drinking water and soil.

Metabolic Engineering involves large-scale production of compounds like vitamins from microbes by varying their genetic expression.

Conclusion

Microorganisms are used in industries for production of novel products and removal of contaminants.