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Question #46562
The Question
In an industrial batch fermenter, Saccharomyces cerevisiae is cultured for ethanol production. A fungal biocontrol agent is accidentally introduced, leading to a drastic drop in ethanol yield and the eventual elimination of the yeast population due to competition for the limited glucose substrate. Which of the following statements regarding this phenomenon is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
The elimination of the yeast population by the superior microbial competitor illustrates Gause's Competitive Exclusion Principle.
- B.
The biocontrol agent reduces ethanol yield by acting as a competitive inhibitor of the yeast's zymase complex, thereby decreasing its Vmax.
- C.
If the two microbial species managed to co-exist by utilizing different fractions of the substrate, it would exemplify resource partitioning.
- D.
The interaction represents interspecific competition, where the fitness of the yeast species (its 'r' value) is significantly decreased in the presence of the biocontrol agent.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Saccharomyces_cerevisiae|Biocontrol_Agents|Predator-Prey_Oscillations
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Conflating ecological 'Interspecific Competition' with biochemical 'Competitive Inhibition'.
It also embeds a classic quantitative trap from enzyme kinetics: competitive inhibitors alter Km, not Vmax.
This forces students to synthesize Ecology (Class 12) with Biomolecules (Class 11) while navigating a 'Not/Except' trap.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Household Product Fermentation Specificity |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |