Microbiology - Industrial Microbiology - Quick Guides | Microbiology

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Study GuideMicrobiology–Industrial Microbiology1.Insecticides and Leaching AgentsMicroorganisms are not only important in health and food production—they are also widely used inagricultureandindustry. Two important applications are their use asbiological insecticidesand asleaching agentsin mining.1.1Microorganisms as InsecticidesSome bacteria naturally produce substances that kill harmful insects. Because these methods arespecific and environmentally friendly, they are highly valued in agriculture.Bacillus thuringiensis(Bt)One of the most important microbial insecticides isBacillus thuringiensis.•This bacterium produces atoxic crystalinside its cells•When caterpillars such asgypsy moth larvaeortomato hornwormseat the bacteria, thecrystal damages theirdigestive tract•The damage allows other bacteria to invade, leading to destruction of the insect’s tissues anddeathBacillus thuringiensisis sprayed on crops during the growing season. It is popular because it:•Targets specific insects•Does not harm most other organisms•Is considered safer than chemical insecticides1.2Bacillus popillaeAnother bacterium used for insect control isBacillus popillae.•It causesmilky spore diseasein caterpillars•Infected insects become weak and eventually die•This bacterium is especially useful for long-term control of insect populations

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Study Guide1.3Microorganisms as Leaching AgentsMicroorganisms are also important in themining industry, where they help extract valuable metalsfromlow-grade ores.Microbial Leaching (Bioleaching)Certain bacteria can release metals from ores through chemical reactions.•Species ofThiobacillusare commonly used•These bacteria oxidizeferrous ions (Fe²⁺)intoferric ions (Fe³⁺)•Ferric ions then react with metal compounds such ascopper sulfide•This process converts metals into asoluble form, making them easy to collectMetals such ascopper and uraniumcan be efficiently recovered using this method, even whenpresent in very small amounts.Key TakeawayMicroorganisms are powerful tools beyond medicine and food production. Asnatural insecticides,they help protect crops safely. Asleaching agents, they make it possible to extract valuable metalsfrom low-quality ores, reducing waste and increasing efficiency in mining.2.Fermentations and BiotechnologyFermentation is a biological process in which microorganisms break down carbohydrates to produceuseful products. One of the most familiar examples is thefermentation of sugars by yeast toproduce ethyl alcohol, a process widely used in biotechnology and the alcoholic beverage industry.

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Study Guide2.1Wine Production: Alcoholic FermentationFigure 1 The process used in the commercial production of wine.Wine is made through thealcoholic fermentation of fruits, most commonly grapes. The finalproduct develops its flavor, aroma, and alcohol content through a carefully controlled series of steps.Step 1: Crushing the GrapesFreshly harvested grapes arecrushed and de-stemmed. This produces a thick liquid mixture calledmust, which contains grape juice, skins, seeds, and pulp.

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