Solved Questions on Microorganisms
1. Match the following microbes with their impacts:
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Column I
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Column II
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1. Saccharomyces cerevisiae
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A. Forms a symbiotic relationship with legume plants, fixing nitrogen in the soil.
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2. Lactobacillus
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B. Produces antibiotic that fights bacterial infections.
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3. Penicillium notatum
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C. Helps in the production of bread and alcoholic beverages.
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4. Rhizobium spp.
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D. Used in the production of yoghurt and other fermented foods.
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a) 1:A, 2:B, 3:C, 4:D
b) 1:D, 2:C, 3:B, 4:A
c) 1:C, 2:D, 3:B, 4:A
d) 1:B, 2:D, 3:A, 4:C
Answer: c) Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a type of yeast that is used in the production of bread and alcoholic beverages.
Lactobacillus is a type of bacteria commonly found in fermented foods like yoghurt and other dairy products.
Penicillium notatum is a type of fungus known for producing the antibiotic penicillin.
Rhizobium is a group of bacteria that form a symbiotic relationship with legume plants, such as peas, beans, and clover. These bacteria infect the roots of legume plants and convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable form for the plants through a process called nitrogen fixation.
2. Select the incorrect statement about the microorganism shown in the picture below.
a) It undergoes asexual reproduction.
b) It is related to plants as it contains chlorophyll to carry out photosynthesis.
c) It is commonly found in freshwater environments such as ponds, lakes, and slow-moving streams.
d) It is a type of algae.
Answer: b) Spirogyra is indeed a type of algae and contains chlorophyll for photosynthesis, but it is not directly related to plants. Algae are considered plant-like microorganisms, but they are a distinct group from true plants and do not have the same complex structures as roots, stems, and leaves found in higher plants.
3. Consider the following statements and choose the correct option:
Statement 1: Viruses can replicate and multiply outside the host cells.
Statement 2: Viruses are considered living organisms.
a) Statement 1 is correct, but statement 2 is incorrect.
b) Statement 1 is incorrect, but statement 2 is correct.
c) Both statements are correct.
d) Both statements are incorrect.
Answer: d) Statement 1 is incorrect because viruses cannot replicate and multiply outside the host cells. They are obligate intracellular parasites, meaning they need a host cell to reproduce and multiply.
Statement 2 is incorrect because viruses are not considered living organisms. While they can exhibit some life-like characteristics when inside a host cell, they lack the essential attributes of living organisms.
4. In the following question, you will find an assertion and a reason. Select the appropriate option that applies.
Assertion: Nitrogen fixation is essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant growth.
Reason: Nitrogen-fixing bacteria convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable forms, such as ammonia, which can be absorbed by plants to synthesize proteins and other essential molecules.
a) Both the assertion and reason are correct, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
b) Both the assertion and reason are correct, but the reason is NOT the correct explanation of the assertion.
c) The assertion is correct, but the reason is incorrect.
d) The assertion is incorrect, but the reason is correct.
Answer: a) Both the assertion and reason are correct, and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion.
The assertion states that nitrogen fixation is essential for maintaining soil fertility and supporting plant growth, which is true. Nitrogen fixation is a critical process as it converts atmospheric nitrogen into forms that plants can use for their growth and development.
The reason provided explains why nitrogen fixation is essential. Nitrogen-fixing bacteria play a crucial role in this process by converting atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia or other nitrogenous compounds that plants can absorb through their roots to synthesize proteins and other essential molecules.
5. In an experiment, a student wants to demonstrate the process of fermentation. Which microorganism will be most suitable for this experiment?
a) Bacteria
b) Algae
c) Fungi
d) Protozoa
Answer: c) Fungi are the most suitable microorganisms for demonstrating the process of fermentation. Fermentation is a metabolic process in which sugars are converted into alcohol or organic acids in the absence of oxygen. This process is commonly carried out by certain species of fungi, such as yeast, which are used in baking and brewing.
FAQs
1. How do microorganisms reproduce?
Microorganisms reproduce via a variety of techniques, including binary fission (splitting into two identical cells), budding, spore development, and sexual reproduction. Certain microbes can also share genetic material through mechanisms such as conjugation.
2. How do microorganisms impact human health?
Microorganisms can have both positive and negative impacts on human health. While certain microorganisms aid with digestion, vitamin synthesis, and gut health, others cause infections, food poisoning, and respiratory disorders.
3. What are antibiotics, and how do they work against microorganisms?
Antibiotics are drugs that prevent or destroy the development of germs. They function by targeting specific bacterial cell components, such as cell walls or protein production machinery, while causing no damage to human cells.
4. What are some examples of beneficial microorganisms in agriculture?
Beneficial microorganisms in agriculture are nitrogen-fixing bacteria, mycorrhizal fungi and certain types of bacteria and fungi that promote plant growth, suppress plant pathogens and improve soil fertility.
5. Why are microorganisms important?
Microorganisms perform essential roles in a variety of ecosystems and have significant effects on human health, agriculture, industry, and the environment. They contribute to the decomposition of organic materials, the recycling of nutrients, the production of food and medication and the preservation of the ecological balance.
