Growth of Microorganisms

What is the primary concern with micro-organisms in food?

• They cause physical deterioration of food.

• They increase the nutritional value of food.

• They can be pathogenic and make consumers very ill.

• They improve the taste of food.

What is the lag phase in the growth of micro-organisms?

• The phase where bacteria die of starvation.

• The initial adjustment period of bacteria to a new environment.

• The phase where the number of bacteria remains constant.

• The phase where bacteria grow and multiply rapidly.

How can the lag phase of micro-organisms be lengthened?

• By allowing re-contamination of the food.

• By changing the moisture, temperature, or pH level to create an unfavourable environment.

• By increasing the number of spoilage organisms.

• By providing ideal conditions for rapid growth.

What is the generation time of a micro-organism?

• The length of the stationary phase.

• The time it takes for a single cell to divide and grow into two new cells.

• The time it takes for a food product to spoil.

• The duration of the logarithmic phase.

What effect does chilling food have on micro-organisms?

• It has no effect on micro-organisms.

• It lengthens the generation time of micro-organisms.

• It makes the micro-organisms multiply faster.

• It kills all micro-organisms instantly.

What is the result of freezing food in terms of micro-organism activity?

• It kills all micro-organisms.

• It removes all spoilage organisms.

• It prevents re-contamination permanently.

• It makes the micro-organisms dormant until the food is thawed.

What is cross-contamination?

• The transfer of microbes to food via contaminated water.

• The process of cooking contaminated food.

• The transfer of microbes to food via other items like hands, knives, and cutting boards.

• The preservation technique to prevent food spoilage.

Which of the following foods are quickest to perish?

• Fruits and vegetables

• Bread and cereals

• Rice and beans

• Poultry, eggs, fish, and milk-based products

How can the shelf-life of food be lengthened?

• By exposing food to sunlight.

• By any change in the environment that increases the generation time.

• By allowing micro-organisms to multiply freely.

• By increasing the temperature and moisture levels.