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Question #46567
The Question
During the industrial batch fermentation of an alcoholic beverage, the vat is accidentally contaminated with exopolysaccharide-producing microbes that induce premature 'floc' formation (massive aggregation) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Which of the following represents the most scientifically accurate consequence of this event on the bioprocess?
Options
- A.
The rate of ethanol production will increase due to localized enzyme concentration, necessitating advanced microfiltration during downstream processing.
- B.
Ethanol fermentation kinetics will decline due to reduced nutrient mass transfer, and the separation phase of downstream processing will shift from centrifugation to gravity sedimentation.
- C.
The biological oxygen demand (BOD) of the fermenter will rapidly decrease, allowing direct distillation without any prior biomass separation.
- D.
The yeast will undergo a genetic shift to produce secondary metabolites, requiring the use of restriction endonucleases during downstream purification.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Saccharomyces_cerevisiae|Flocs Formation|Downstream Processing
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often memorize 'flocs' strictly in the context of secondary sewage treatment (where they reduce BOD) and 'downstream processing' as a rigid set of high-tech steps.
This question tests the biophysical consequence of flocculation (aggregation) on cellular surface area (which dictates fermentation kinetics) and how the physical state of the biomass dictates the separation methods (sedimentation vs. centrifugation) in downstream processing.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Microbes in Human Welfare - Class 12 |
| Concept | Alcoholic Beverage Fermentation Source |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |