Question

Briefly discuss
(a) Biofortifications
(b) Role of microbes in household food processing.

Answer 1

(a) Biofortification is the idea of breeding crops to increase their nutritional value. This can be done either through conventional selective breeding or through genetic engineering. Biofortification differs from ordinary fortification because it focuses on making plant foods more nutritious as the plants are growing, rather than having nutrients added to the foods when they are being processed.

(b) Some of the microorganisms like bacteria and fungi play a variety of roles in the formation of household food.

• For example, Lactobacillus, the bacteria involved in the formation of curd from the milk and yogurt is produced by the bacteria, Lactobacillus bulgaricus.
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a type of yeast used for making bread in the household as well as the food processing industry.
• Microorganisms are also used to prepare some traditional drinks like Toddy.
• In addition to these, most common food like dosa and idly are prepared from fermented rice by some bacteria.