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Date	November 2020	Marks available	3	Reference code	20N.3.SL.TZ0.8
Level	Standard level	Paper	Paper 3	Time zone	TZ0 / no time zone
Command term	Explain	Question number	8	Adapted from	N/A

Question

The diagram shows an aerated fermenter commonly used in biotechnology.

[Source: Adapted from GYassineMrabetTalk, CC BY-SA 3.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.]

Outline a reason for inserting steam into the fermenter before fermentation.

[1]

Describe how optimal temperature is maintained inside the fermenter.

[1]

Explain how penicillin can be produced in a fermenter.

[3]

Markscheme

sterilizes/kills unwanted microorganisms in the fermenter;

cold water is added to the jacket if the temperature is too high;

a. takes place in (deep-tank) batch fermenters;

b. Penicillium (fungus) is grown on sugar/starch/nutrients;

c. penicillin is produced when the nutrients are used up;

d. penicillin secreted by the fungus is separated and purified;

e. occurs under aerobic conditions/Penicillium is an obligate aerobe;

Examiners report

[N/A]

Syllabus sections

Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics) » B.1 Microbiology: organisms in industry

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Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics » Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics (Core topics)

Option B: Biotechnology and bioinformatics

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