Which foods are used by microorganisms for energy, Biology

Assignment Help:

Q. Which Foods are used by Microorganisms for Energy?

The carbohydrates, especially the sugars, are most commonly used as an energy source, but other carbon compounds can also serve the purpose, e.g., esters, alcohols, peptides, amino acids and organic acids. Microorganisms differ in their ability to use some of the simpler soluble sugars. Many organisms cannot use the disaccharide lactose (milk sugar) and therefore do not grow well in milk. Some yeast does not attack maltose. Most organisms, if they utilize sugars at all, can use glucose. The ability of microorganisms to hydrolyze pectin, which is characteristic of some kinds of bacteria and molds, is important in the softening or rotting of fruits and vegetables or fermented products. The ability to synthesize amylolytic (starch degrading) enzymes will favour the growth of an organism on cereals and other starchy products. The addition of fruits rich in sucrose and other sugars to yoghurt increases the range of carbohydrates availability and allows the development of a more diverse spoilage microflora of yeasts. Bacteria differ in their ability to utilize different foods as a source of energy. Some can use a variety of carbohydrates, e.g., the coliform bacteria and Clostridium spp., and others only one or two. Some can use other carbon compounds like organic acids and their salts, alcohols, and esters (Pseudomonas spp.).


Related Discussions:- Which foods are used by microorganisms for energy

Fat metabolism, FAT METABOLISM Animals  digest  and utilize three main ...

FAT METABOLISM Animals  digest  and utilize three main  types  of fatty compounds or lipids  neutral or true  fats ( triglycerides ),  phospholipids  and sterols. Endproducts

Define surgical procedures for cancer patient, Define Surgical Procedures f...

Define Surgical Procedures for Cancer Patient Major resection of the small bowel is not common. Resection of the ileum leads to certain physiological and nutritional problems.

What is coevolution, What is Coevolution ? There is considerable eviden...

What is Coevolution ? There is considerable evidence that supports an interesting theory that two individual species can affect each others evolution in reciprocal fashion. In

Major classes into which the phylum is divided, Q What are the major classe...

Q What are the major classes into which the phylum is divided? What are the few examples of each and in which form (polyp or medusae) are they found? Coelenterates are divided

Glycolysis, steps involved in glycolysis

steps involved in glycolysis

What is the main theory opposed to evolution, What is the main theory oppos...

What is the main theory opposed to evolution? The major theory that opposes the evolution theory on the description of how species emerged (phylogenesis) is fixism.

Explain sexual reproduction, Explain Sexual Reproduction ? In most hig...

Explain Sexual Reproduction ? In most higher organisms, replication occurs by sexual reproduction. Sexual reproduction begins with a process called meiosis. The products of me

Drawbacks of free food items for diabetics patients, Drawbacks of Free Food...

Drawbacks of Free Food Items for diabetics patients In this context, it is important to note that a patient can have unlimited servings of 'free foods'. These are foods which d

Define the maintenance of weight loss, Define the Maintenance of Weight Los...

Define the Maintenance of Weight Loss? Once an individual has managed to lose weight to a desirable level, it must not be assumed that the weight loss will be maintained automa

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd