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Short & Long Question Answers with Solution: Microbes in Human Welfare - NEET PDF Download

Short Answer Type Questions

Q1: Giving two examples describe biofertilizers.
Ans: 
Biofertilizers enhance the nutrient content of the soil and are primarily derived from fungi, bacteria, and cyanobacteria. Bacteria such as Rhizobium and Azotobacter have the ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that can be used by plants, thereby improving soil nitrogen levels. Additionally, blue-green algae like Nostoc and Anabaena contribute organic material to the soil, ultimately enhancing its fertility.

Q2: What is the difference between primary sludge and activated sludge? What changes in the sludge are carried out in an anaerobic sludge disaster? What is the composition of biogas in the sewage treatment plant?
Ans: 
Primary sludge consists of solid particles like soil and small stones that settle in sewage treatment tanks. Activated sludge, on the other hand, is the collection of bacterial flocs that settle in settling tanks after undergoing biological treatment. Bacteria and fungal filaments come together to form these flocs. Some of the activated sludge is used as a starter culture in the aeration tank, while the rest is directed to a large tank known as the anaerobic sludge digester. Inside this tank, bacteria that thrive in anaerobic conditions consume the bacteria and fungi present in the sludge.
Biogas, produced in sewage treatment plants, is a mixture comprising methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Q3: How does primary sludge differ from activated sludge? What type of changes in the sludge are carried out in anaerobic sludge digester? Give the composition of biogas produced in the sewage treatment plant.
Ans: 
Primary sludge consists of solid materials such as soil and small pebbles that settle in the settling tank during the initial sewage treatment phase. On the other hand, activated sludge refers to the accumulation of bacterial "flocs" in the settling tank during biological treatment. These flocs are agglomerations of bacteria held together by slime and fungal filaments. A portion of the activated sludge serves as an inoculum in the aeration tank, while the remainder is directed to a large tank known as the anaerobic sludge digester. Within this tank, a different type of anaerobic bacteria digests the bacteria, fungi, and biomass present in the sludge. The biogas produced in sewage treatment plants is a mixture containing methane, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

Q4: Name the bacteria which is used as a clot buster. Mention about its mode of action.
Ans: 
The bacterium Streptococcus produces an enzyme called Streptokinase, which is employed as a clot-dissolving agent. Streptokinase possesses fibrinolytic properties that work to break down blood clots that may form within the blood vessels of individuals experiencing myocardial infarction, thereby preventing potential heart attacks resulting from clot-related blockages.

Q5: What is the role of microbes in reducing environmental degeneration caused by chemicals?
Ans:
Microorganisms are harnessed as biopesticides and biofertilizers to combat environmental deterioration. In the role of biofertilizers, microbes contribute to soil enrichment by fixing atmospheric nitrogen. Examples of such microbes include Azospirillum, Azotobacter, and Rhizobium. Conversely, as biopesticides, they help control the proliferation of insect pests, with Bacillus thuringiensis being a notable example. Additionally, a fungal species known as Trichoderma is employed effectively as a biocontrol agent to manage various plant pathogens. The use of Baculovirus, specifically in the nucleopolyhedrovirus genus, serves as a biological control method for targeting specific insect species with a narrow spectrum of insecticidal applications.

Q6: Microbes can be used to decrease the use of chemical fertilizers & pesticides. Explain how can this be accomplished?
Ans:
In modern society, the issues related to plant diseases and pests are typically addressed by using chemical agents. However, these chemicals are not only toxic but also pose significant harm to both humans and the environment. In agriculture, an alternative method for pest control involves natural predation rather than the use of chemicals. For instance, to manage pests like butterflies and caterpillars, a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) is employed. Bt is available in the form of dried spores contained in sachets, which are then mixed with water and applied to susceptible plants, such as brassica. When insect larvae feed on these plants, the toxin is released within their gut, leading to the demise of the larvae. Importantly, this bacterial disease affects caterpillars while leaving other insects unharmed.

Q7: State the significance of enzymes in detergents used for washing clothes. Are they produced from unique microbes?
Ans: 
Lipases play a role in the composition of detergents, where they facilitate the breakdown of oils, assisting in the removal of greasy stains from clothing. These enzymes are derived from Geotrichum candidum and Candida lipolytica.

Q8: To decrease the use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, microbes are used. How is this done? Explain.
Ans:
In contemporary society, the prevailing approach to address plant diseases involves the application of chemical agents. These chemicals, while effective, pose significant risks as they are toxic to both humans and the environment. In agriculture, an alternative pest control method relies on natural predation, specifically for managing pests like butterflies, caterpillars, and various insects. This method involves the use of Bacillus thuringiensis, a bacterium that is supplied in the form of dried spores contained in sachets. These spores are mixed with water and then applied to vulnerable plants, such as brassicas, where insect larvae feed. Upon ingestion, the toxin is released within the larvae's intestines, leading to their demise. Importantly, this bacterial illness targets caterpillars while leaving other insects unharmed.

Q9: What are statins? Name the microorganism that produces this substance. How is it medically important?
Ans:
Statins are agents that lower cholesterol levels in the body.
They are derived from Monascus purpureus, a type of yeast.
Their mechanism of action involves the competitive inhibition of enzymes responsible for cholesterol synthesis, making them effective for reducing blood cholesterol levels.

Q10: How is the restoration of good health in humans brought about by bioactive molecules of fungal origin?
Ans: 
Cyclosporin-A is employed as an immunosuppressant in individuals who have undergone organ transplants. It is produced by the fungus Trichoderma polysporum. On the other hand, Statins, which are utilized to lower blood cholesterol levels, are commercially manufactured using the yeast Monascus purpureus.

Long Answer Type Questions

Q1: How can microbes be used to decrease the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides?
Ans: 
Chemical fertilizers and pesticides are efficient in safeguarding plants from diseases and promoting their growth. However, they are laden with a high concentration of toxic substances. When administered in excessive quantities, these chemicals can be detrimental to plants, as well as pose risks to human health and the environment. Consequently, microorganisms have been devised as an alternative solution.
Microbes like Bacillus thuringiensis and Rhizobium have been employed to manage pests and maintain soil fertility for improved plant growth. These microorganisms are eco-friendly and do not pose any toxic threats to human health or plant well-being.

Q2: State the process involved in sewage treatment.
Ans: The sewage treatment process is conducted through the following steps:

  • Primary Treatment: Initially, the sewage undergoes primary treatment, where suspended materials are physically separated in settling tanks to reduce the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD). The untreated sewage is directed into large open tanks for anaerobic digestion to remove the solid fraction.
  • Secondary Treatment: The second phase of treatment relies on microbial activity, which can be either anaerobic or aerobic. The techniques used in this stage include:
    • Aeration processes
    • Filtration through sand filters
    • The use of oxidation ponds

The sludge collected after the secondary treatment is dried and disposed of, while the effluent is sent for tertiary treatment.

  • Tertiary Treatment: The third and final stage of tertiary treatment involves chemical treatment to remove inorganic chemicals and pathogenic microorganisms. The most commonly used disinfection method is chlorination.


Q3: Describe the kind of food that would have lactic acid bacteria. Mention their useful applications.
Ans: 
Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB), specifically of the Lactobacillus species, are commonly found in food products like yogurt and curd. In the process of making curd, a small amount of pre-existing curd is introduced into milk as a starter culture. Under suitable temperature conditions, the microbes present in the starter culture rapidly multiply, leading to the transformation of milk into curd. During their growth, LAB produce acids, which curdle the milk and partially digest its proteins, making the milk protein more easily digestible.
Some of its applications include:

  • Enhancing the nutritional quality of milk by increasing vitamin B-12 content.
  • Regulating the population of disease-causing microbes in the stomach.


Q4: (a) What is the consequence of discharging larger volumes of sewage that is untreated into a river?
(b) What is the significance of anaerobic sludge digestion in sewage treatment?
Ans: (a) 
When untreated water is released directly into rivers, it can result in significant water pollution due to the presence of pathogenic bacteria, protozoa, and organic substances. Consumption of this contaminated water can lead to outbreaks of waterborne diseases.
(b) Anaerobic bacteria break down aerobic bacteria, fungi, and the remaining organic material in anaerobic sludge digestion. This digestion process generates a gas mixture comprising hydrogen sulfide, methane, and carbon dioxide. These biogases can serve as a potential energy source due to their flammability.

Q5: Discuss the main ideologies crucial in the biological control of diseases and pests.
Ans:
The core concept is the promotion of natural and environmentally friendly methods. It involves the deployment of organisms to monitor and manage the population of pests and pathogens within an ecosystem. For instance, Trichoderma serves as an antagonist, combatting specific soil-borne plant pathogens. Similarly, Penicillin inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus bacteria and has been harnessed for penicillin production to control various bacterial pathogens. In the realm of insect control, Baculovirus, particularly in the Nucleopolyhedrovirus genus, is employed as a biological agent for targeting specific insect species with a narrow spectrum of insecticidal applications. Bacillus thuringiensis is utilized as a biopesticide to manage insects. The holistic biological regulation of pests is considered more advantageous, especially in environmentally sensitive areas.

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FAQs on Short & Long Question Answers with Solution: Microbes in Human Welfare - NEET

1. What are some examples of microbes that are used in human welfare?
Ans. Some examples of microbes used in human welfare include bacteria like Lactobacillus, which is used in the production of curd and other fermented food products. Another example is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a yeast that is used in the fermentation of bread and alcoholic beverages.
2. How do microbes contribute to wastewater treatment?
Ans. Microbes play a crucial role in wastewater treatment. They help in the breakdown and decomposition of organic matter present in the wastewater. Certain bacteria and fungi are capable of degrading complex organic compounds and converting them into simpler forms. This process helps in the purification of wastewater before it is released back into the environment.
3. Can microbes be beneficial for agriculture?
Ans. Yes, microbes can be highly beneficial for agriculture. Certain bacteria and fungi form symbiotic relationships with plant roots, known as mycorrhizae, which help in nutrient uptake and enhance plant growth. Some bacteria are also capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen, making it available to plants. Additionally, microbes are used in the production of biofertilizers and compost, which can improve soil fertility.
4. How do microbes contribute to the production of antibiotics?
Ans. Many antibiotics are derived from microbes. Certain bacteria and fungi produce natural compounds that have antimicrobial properties. These compounds are isolated and purified to form antibiotics. For example, penicillin, one of the earliest and most widely used antibiotics, is produced by the fungus Penicillium.
5. Can microbes be used in environmental cleanup?
Ans. Yes, microbes can be used in environmental cleanup. Certain bacteria and fungi have the ability to break down and degrade toxic pollutants present in the environment. This process, known as bioremediation, helps in the removal of contaminants from soil, water, and air. Microbes can also be used in the treatment of oil spills and other industrial waste.
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