Question

To reduce the percentage of population suffering from hunger and malnutrition, microbes are grown on a large scale to act as food supplements. Mention any two microbes used as food supplements and suggest their role.

Answer 1

Following are examples of two microbes that can be grown on a large scale to act as a food supplement.

1) Spirulina:

Spirulina is a microorganism which can be grown easily on material like waste water from potato processing plants (containing starch), straws, molasses, animal manure and even sewage, to produce large quantities and can serve as a food rich in Proteins, Minerals, Fats, Carbohydrates and minerals.

2) Methylophilus methylotrophs:

It is calculated that a 250Kg cow can produce 200gm of protein per day, In the same time 250GM of methylophilus, Because of its high rate of biomass production and growth, can be expected to produce 25 Tones of Protein.