Microbial Cellulose Breakdown Concepts

The video discusses the limitations of fossil fuels and their impact on climate change. It introduces biofuels as an alternative, focusing on the use of corn grain and its limitations. The potential of cellulose as a more abundant and sustainable source of ethanol is explored, along with the challenges of breaking down cellulose. The role of microorganisms in producing cellulase to break down cellulose is highlighted, and the concept of bioprospecting is introduced as a way to find natural solutions for sustainable fuel production.

What is one major problem with relying on fossil fuels for energy?

• They contribute to climate change.

• They are unlimited in supply.

• They are renewable.

• They are easy to produce.

Why is corn grain not an ideal solution for ethanol production?

• It requires minimal resources to grow.

• It has a limited supply and is resource-intensive.

• It is too abundant.

• It does not produce ethanol.

What makes cellulose a promising alternative for ethanol production?

• It is not found in plants.

• It is easy to break down.

• It is the most abundant organic molecule on Earth.

• It is less abundant than corn grain.

What is the main challenge in using cellulose for ethanol production?

• It is too easy to break down.

• It does not contain glucose.

• It is not found in nature.

• Its molecular structure is difficult to break apart.

How do microorganisms like bacteria and fungi help in cellulose breakdown?

• They ignore cellulose.

• They consume only corn grain.

• They do not interact with cellulose.

• They produce enzymes that break down cellulose.

What enzyme do microbes produce to break down cellulose?

• Lipase

• Cellulase

• Protease

• Amylase

What is the process of searching for species that produce valuable products called?

• Genetic engineering

• Fermentation

• Photosynthesis

• Bioprospecting

What is the purpose of adding cellulose to a test tube with microbes?

• To see if microbes can produce cellulase and break down cellulose.

• To make the test tube heavier.

• To change the color of the solution.

• To remove all energy sources.

What happens if a microbe can break down cellulose in a test tube?

• The microbe dies.

• The cellulose becomes corn grain.

• The microbe thrives and uses cellulose for energy.

• The test tube remains unchanged.

What is the ultimate goal of using microbes to break down cellulose?

• To create a non-renewable energy source.

• To produce more fossil fuels.

• To develop a renewable and sustainable fuel source.

• To eliminate all forms of energy.