What are microbes, and where can they be found?

Microbes are microscopic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses, viroids, and prions, found in diverse environments including soil, water, air, and extreme conditions like geysers and acidic environments.

True or False: Viruses are classified under the kingdom Monera.

False. Viruses are not classified under any kingdom as they are acellular and only microscopic.

Fill in the blank: Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) convert milk into ___ by producing acids.

Curd

Which microbe is responsible for the fermentation of dough in making bread?

Saccharomyces cerevisiae, also known as baker's yeast.

Riddle: I am a gas produced when dough rises, but I'm not visible. What am I?

Carbon dioxide (CO₂)

What are fermentors used for in industrial microbiology?

Fermentors are large vessels that grow microbes on an industrial scale to produce various products like beverages and antibiotics.

True or False: Whisky is produced through fermentation without distillation.

False. Whisky is produced through fermentation followed by distillation.

Name two antibiotics and their microbial sources.

Penicillin from Penicillium notatum and Cyclosporin A from Trichoderma polysporum.

Fill in the blank: Sewage cannot be directly discharged into water bodies because it contains ___ pathogens.

Disease-causing

How does Streptokinase function in medical treatment?

Streptokinase is used as a 'clot buster' to dissolve blood clots in patients with myocardial infarction.

Riddle: I am a mixture of gases produced by microbes, mainly containing methane. What am I?

Biogas

What is the role of flocs in the secondary treatment of sewage?

Flocs, which are aggregates of bacteria, consume organic matter during the aeration process, helping to reduce biochemical oxygen demand (BOD).

True or False: Biocontrol methods use chemical pesticides to manage pests.

False. Biocontrol methods use biological agents, such as predators and microbes, instead of chemical pesticides.

Fill in the blank: Rhizobium forms a symbiotic relationship with leguminous plants by fixing atmospheric ___ into a usable form.

Nitrogen

Name two insects that act as biocontrol agents and the pests they target.

Ladybirds control aphids, and dragonflies control mosquitoes.

What is mycorrhiza, and how does it benefit plants?

Mycorrhiza is a symbiotic association between fungi and plant roots that enhances nutrient absorption, particularly phosphorus, and improves plant resilience.

How do cyanobacteria contribute to soil fertility?

Cyanobacteria fix atmospheric nitrogen and add organic matter, enhancing soil fertility, particularly in rice paddies.

What are the primary gases produced during anaerobic digestion in biogas production?

Methane, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen are the primary gases produced during anaerobic digestion in biogas production.