Table of Contents
An Introduction to the Different Types of Poison:
There are many types of poisons, but they can be generally classified into two categories: organic and inorganic.
Organic poisons are those that are derived from living things, such as plants, animals, or fungi. These poisons can be either swallowed or inhaled. Some common organic poisons include:
• Arsenic – a heavy metal that is poisonous if ingested.
• Cyanide – a gas that is poisonous if inhaled.
• Ricin – a toxin found in castor beans, which is poisonous if ingested.
Inorganic poisons are those that are not derived from living things.
These poisons can be either swallowed or injected. Some common inorganic poisons include:
• Carbon monoxide – a gas that is poisonous if inhaled.
• Lead – a heavy metal that is poisonous if ingested.
• Mercury – a poisonous metal that is found in some thermometers.
Microbiology
Microbiology is the study of microscopic organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Microbiologists use a variety of techniques to study these organisms, including microscopy, DNA sequencing, and culturing. Microbiology is an important field of study, as these organisms can cause disease and infection.
Role of Microbes in Industrial Products
Microorganisms are important in industrial products such as bread, cheese, beer, and yogurt. In bread, yeast cells produce carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. The carbon dioxide gas makes the bread rise, and the alcohol gives the bread a slightly sweet taste.
In cheese, bacteria produce lactic acid, which makes the cheese taste sour. In beer, yeast cells produce carbon dioxide gas and alcohol. The carbon dioxide gas makes the beer rise, and the alcohol gives the beer a slightly sweet taste. In yogurt, bacteria produce lactic acid, which makes the yogurt taste sour.
Primary and Secondary Metabolites
- Primary metabolites are those that are essential for the life of the cell:
- They are usually small and simple molecules.
- The most important primary metabolites are carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
- Secondary metabolites are not essential for the life of the cell:
- But they may have important functions. They are usually larger and more complex molecules.
- The most important secondary metabolites are antibiotics, pigments, and hormones.
Primary Metabolites
A primary metabolite is an organic molecule that is required for the basic functioning of the cell. It is usually not involved in the generation of energy or the building of proteins and DNA. Instead, it is responsible for the maintenance of the cell’s structure and metabolism. Some common primary metabolites include nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids.
Secondary Metabolites
Secondary metabolites are organic molecules that are not essential for the survival of the cell, but are instead produced for other reasons, such as defense, communication, or competition. These molecules are often produced in response to environmental stress, and can have a variety of effects on the cell, including defense against predators, competition for resources, or attraction of mates. Secondary metabolites can also be used for medicinal purposes.
Large Scale Fermentation – Industrial Microbiology
Large-scale fermentation is a process used in industrial microbiology to produce large quantities of a specific molecule, such as a protein, enzyme, or vitamin. In this process, a microorganism is cultured in a large container, such as a tank, vat, or fermenter, and the desired molecule is produced by the microorganism. The large-scale fermentation process is used to produce a variety of molecules, including antibiotics, hormones, and enzymes.
Ethanol Fermentation
Ethanol fermentation is the process of converting glucose to ethanol and carbon dioxide by yeast.
This is a metabolic pathway that occurs in yeast and some bacteria. Glucose is converted to ethanol and carbon dioxide in the presence of yeast enzymes, such as zymase.
The carbon dioxide is released as a gas, and the ethanol is a liquid.
Recombinant Products
Please see our recombinant products page.
Quick Facts on Microbes
- Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can exist either as independent cells or in colonies.
- Bacteria are some of the simplest organisms on Earth and can be found almost everywhere.
- Bacteria are responsible for many important processes, including the digestion of food and the production of oxygen.
- Some bacteria can cause disease, but most are harmless.
- Bacteria can be killed with antibiotics or by heating them to a high temperature.
- Bacteria are used in many industrial processes, including the production of cheese and yogurt.
- Bacteria are also being studied for their potential to be used in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.
