Question

Find out the role of microbes in the following and discuss it with your teacher.
(a) Single cell protein(SCP)
(b) Soil

Answer 1

a) Single cell protein(SCP)

Single cell protein is a protein obtained from pure or mixed cultures of algae, bacteria etc. that have 30-70% of protein content in their dry mass. Methylophilyus methylotrophus is a bacterial species that produces single cell protein. It is used as a food supplement by humans as well as animals.

Chlorella is a single-celled green algae belonging to the phylum Chlorophyta. It is rich in proteins that contain essential that amino acids needed for tissue building and maintenance of metabolic pathways. Hence it is consumed as a source of protein.

b) Soil

The microbes such as protozoans, fungi and bacteria in soil help in the breaking down of the complex organic matter. Hence they act as decomposers and form a part of Detritus food chain. This food chain helps in soil replenishment by adding nutrients to the soil.