Microbiology - soil microbiology, soil microbes, N₂ fixation and biogeochemical cycles, food and water microbiology, microbial flora of fresh and spoiled foods, industrial microbiology - microbial applications in manufacture of alcohols, single cell protein, organic acids - Question Bank
1. The role of microorganisms in converting complex organic compounds into simpler inorganic substances is called:
2. Which microorganism is commonly used in the production of soy sauce and miso?
3. What is the main characteristic of fresh food that is being spoiled by microbial action?
4. Which industrial application uses microorganisms to produce enzymes like rennet for cheese making?
5. The conversion of atmospheric nitrogen (N₂) into ammonia (NH₃) by living organisms is:
6. Which type of microorganism is primarily responsible for the decomposition of dead plant and animal material in soil?
7. What is the primary function of nitrifying bacteria like Nitrobacter?
8. Which term describes the use of microorganisms to clean up environmental pollutants?
9. The presence of which microorganism in food is a strong indicator of poor hygiene during processing?
10. Which industrial product is made using the fermentation of molasses by yeast?
11. What is the role of methanogens in the carbon cycle, particularly in anaerobic environments?
12. Which of the following is a potential health risk associated with contaminated food due to microbial toxins?
13. The study of microorganisms in relation to soil is called:
14. Which microbial process converts hydrogen sulfide back to sulfate in the sulfur cycle?
15. What is the purpose of pasteurization in food microbiology?
16. Which bacterium is used in the production of cheese for its role in acid and flavor development?
17. The production of enzymes from microbial sources for industrial use is known as:
18. Which of the following is a characteristic of spoiled meat, often due to microbial activity?
19. What is the primary role of microorganisms in the phosphorus cycle?
20. Which microorganism is a key producer of enzymes like amylase and protease used in industry?
21. The biological oxidation of methane by certain microorganisms is part of which biogeochemical cycle?
22. Which type of microorganism is often involved in the spoilage of canned foods?
23. The process of converting amino acids back into ammonia by microorganisms is called:
24. Which microbial group is responsible for the decomposition of cellulose in soil?
25. What is the primary function of mycorrhizal fungi in soil?
26. Which process converts atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, making it available for plants?
27. The 'bloat' in cattle is often associated with excessive production of which gas by rumen microbes?
28. Which of the following is a major spoilage microorganism found on fresh fruits and vegetables?
29. What is the role of Acetobacter in vinegar production?
30. Which microorganism is essential for the production of yogurt?
31. The process of converting sugars into ethanol by yeast is known as:
32. Which organic acid is commonly produced industrially using the fermentation of Aspergillus niger?
33. What is the main type of microorganism used in the production of antibiotics like penicillin?
34. Which industrial application involves using microorganisms to produce edible biomass?
35. In bread making, yeast primarily produces which gas to cause leavening?
36. Which microorganism is primarily responsible for the fermentation of grapes into wine?
37. What microbial activity causes the souring of milk?
38. Which of the following is a common spoilage organism in milk products?
39. The process of microbial degradation of organic matter in water bodies, leading to oxygen depletion, is called:
40. Which bacterium is commonly used as an indicator of fecal contamination in water?
41. What is the main concern regarding microbial contamination of drinking water?
42. Which microbial process is crucial for the removal of excess phosphate from aquatic ecosystems?
43. The conversion of organic phosphorus into inorganic phosphate by microorganisms is known as:
44. Which of the following is a key process in the sulfur cycle driven by microorganisms?
45. What is the primary role of decomposers in the carbon cycle?
46. Rhizobium bacteria form symbiotic relationships with the roots of which type of plants?
47. Which element's cycle involves the conversion between organic and inorganic forms through microbial activity?
48. The process by which nitrates are reduced to gaseous nitrogen compounds is called:
49. Which type of microorganism is primarily responsible for nitrification in the soil?
50. What is the main function of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the soil?