The bacterium Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis) produces antibiotics.
A study was carried out to compare the viable cell count and antibiotic concentration of two cul... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The bacterium Bacillus subtilis (B - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 9 - 2022
Step 1
Using information in Graph 1 state the duration of the lag phase in culture A.
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Answer
The lag phase in culture A lasts for 5 hours.
Step 2
Using information in Graph 2 calculate the simplest whole number ratio of the antibiotic concentration in culture A to culture B at 30 hours.
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Answer
At 30 hours, the antibiotic concentration in culture A is approximately 0.6 g/l and in culture B is approximately 0.1 g/l. The simplest whole number ratio is 6:1.
Step 3
Using information in both graphs state the total viable cell count in culture A when its antibiotic concentration first reached 0.3 g/l.
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Answer
The total viable cell count in culture A when its antibiotic concentration first reached 0.3 g/l is 100 cells x 10^6 per cm^3.
Step 4
Use evidence from both graphs to support this statement.
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Answer
Antibiotic production begins in the stationary phase, which can be seen in Graph 2 where the antibiotic concentration increases significantly as the viable cell count stabilizes in Graph 1.
Step 5
Describe an ecological advantage to B. subtilis of producing antibiotics in its natural environment.
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Producing antibiotics allows B. subtilis to compete effectively for resources by reducing competition for nutrients and other raw materials in its environment.
Step 6
Name a culture condition that would be controlled when producing antibiotics in a fermenter.
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Oxygen, pH, temperature, or sterility.
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