Question

Select the correct statement out of (a—d).

(a) Single celled Spirulina can produce large quantities of food rich in protein, minerals and vitamins.
(b) Body weight-wise the microorganism Methylophilus
methylotrophus produces several times more protein than a cow per
day.
(c) Button Mushroom is a rich source of vitamins.
(d) A rice variety has been developed which is very rich in calcium.

Answer 1

\(Spirulina\) as a food source :
\(Spirulina\), a biomass of cyanobacteria, is grown easily on materials like straw, waste water like sewage, animal manure, molasses etc. \(Spirulina\) is not only a source of single cell proteins (containing \(60\%\) of its dry weight in protein) but also contains vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates. The production of SCP using \(Spirulina\) also reduces environmental pollution.
Therefore this statement “Single celled \(Spirulina\) can produce large quantities of food rich in protein, minerals and vitamins” is correct.

\(Methylophilus~methylotrophus\) as protein source :
\(Methylophilus~methylotrophus\) is a bacterial species that is used as SCP. Since it has a high rate of growth (generation time- 2 hours), the production of protein per day is 25 tonnes \((25 \times 10^3 kg)\) which is much higher than the regular food sources of protein. It has 50 to 80% of its dry weight as protein.
Therefore this statement “Body weight-wise the microorganism Methylophilus
methylotrophus produces several times more protein than a cow per day” is correct.