Question

Why are proteins synthesised from Spirulina called single cell proteins?

Answer 1

Single-cell proteins:

Single Cell Protein or SCP refers to the edible protein extracted from pure microbial cultures, dead, or dried cell biomass. It can be used as an alternative protein source or supplement for both humans and animals. Microorganisms such as algae, fungi, and bacteria can be used as SCP.

Spirulina:

Spirulina is a non toxic and fast-growing cyanobacteria that are unicellular in nature. Spirulina can be rapidly grown on various low-cost carbon sources such as straw, molasses, animal manure, and even sewage like agricultural wastes, corn cobs, wastewater from the potato processing industry, human and animal wastes, etc.


Proteins synthesised from Spirulina:

Spirulina is high in protein content and large amounts of protein can be derived from microbial cultures of Spirulina in a very short period. Being derived from a single-celled organism, such proteins are often called single-cell proteins and can be treated as food.