Microbiology

Microbiology Study Guide

Chapter 6: Environmental, Food, and Industrial Microbiology

Objectives By the end of the chapter, you will be able to learn and understand the following concepts: 1. Understand the role played by microorganisms in augmenting soil quality. 2. Differentiate between various biogeochemical cycles. 3. Identify food preparation, spoilage, and preservation using microorganisms. 4. Describe microorganisms used in the fermentation industry. 5. Understand the relationship between microorganisms and production compounds. 6. Analyze biological insecticides and their relationship with leaching agents using microorganisms. 6.1 Environmental (Ecological) Microbiology: The study of the composition, physiology, and biology of microbes and their communities in the environment is known as ecological or environmental microbiology. Environment constitutes the physical attributes covered by the planet Earth like soil, air, and water; biological existence is in the form of animals and plants. Terrestrial Environment (Soils) Microorganisms in the environment hold a vital position and are responsible for maintaining the balance of the available nutrients chemically, as well as themetabolism of thewaste products, thereby helping to preserve the natural environment of the planet. Microorganisms aid in the operation of elemental cycles (nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle, oxygen cycle, sulfur cycle, and phosphorous cycle) in the soil. Therefore, in the soil ecosystem, the largest contribution of organic matter is made by microorganisms, by way of the metabolism of animal and plant waste. The organic matter that is not recyclable and resistant to decay combines with minerals in the soil and gives rise to humus. The function of humus is to retain water and air in the soil. The Nitrogen Cycle One of the vital biogeochemical cycles is the nitrogen cycle. Microorganisms act as important sources that help in recycling natural resources. Nitrogen is rich in amino acids, pyrimidines, purines, and several other enzymes. Every cell has nitrogen of about 9-15% weight. Nitrogen is helpful in producing proteins and other organic compounds necessary for life. All organisms get the required nitrogen from either an organic source, like amino acids, or non- organic source, like nitrogen gas, ammonia, or nitrate, in the nitrogen cycle. Non-organic sources of nitrogen are converted into organic sources through the process of ammonification. The ammonia produced through the process of ammonification is injected in living cells through the pathway of the catalyzed enzyme, in which glutamic acid and glutamine are produced. Other nitrogen compounds are synthesized using these amino acids in the cells.

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