What conditions are the most favourable for microbial food production?
FAVOURABILITY FOR CONDITIONS
Effective Moisture: Moisture is a necessary component for bacteria growth and microbial food production. High water content results in a larger probability of bacterial growth, since higher intracellular water potential results in higher hydration and activity of enzymes. The majority of bacteria requires 60% relative humidity or more- hence why bacteria grows on high moisture content.
TYPES OF CONDITIONS
Conditions in which bacteria thrive
MICROBIAL FOOD PRODUCTION
Types of microbes
Warm
Warm
Cold
Reaction
Use of microorganisms
Microbial molecules move faster
Microbial molecules are not killed
Moist
Protein-rich environment
Neutral pH
Slightly acid pH
Fermentation process: Metabolic process by which organic molecules (e.g carbohydrates & sugar) are converted to gases, acids or alcohol without oxygen
Algae
Protozoa
Virus
Enzymes speed up metabolism & hence bacteria grows faster
Dormant until they are thawed
Examples of Fermentation
Making of Cheese
Production of yoghurt
Effective Temperature: Bacteria require warmth to grow. Optimum temperature range for bacterial growth is between 5-63 °C, known as the danger zone
Effective pH Level: Most bacteria grow optimally at a pH level of 7. Certain foods that are below a pH level of 7 (acidic), or foods with a pH above 7 (alkaline) either stop or slow down the rate of bacterial growth
Presence of Food: Food supplies bacteria with energy to grow. High risk foods, such as protein foods, are rich in nutrients and moisture, promoting bacterial growth.
Conditions affecting microbial function
Environmental conditions
Moisture
Temperature
Nutrients (Food & Water)
Oxygen
Pressure
pH Level
This question focuses on microbial food production, hence I researched the types of bacterial microbes, along with the reaction process.
These are circumstances in which microbial food production is affected
Research was conducted into favourable conditions for microbes to grow in, as it is key information to planning a method for the practical
Bacteria
Fungi
Probiotic (Healthy for the body)
Unhealthy for body
Hepatitis A
Lactobacillus
Bifidobacterium
Saccharomyces
Streptococcus
E.Coli
Salmonella
Harmful
Aspergillus
Healthy
Bacillus Coagulans
Fusarium Genera
Bifidobacterium
What are microbes?
An organism that can be seen through a microscope. Microorganisms include bacteria, protozoa, algae and fungi. However, viruses are not considered as living organisms, they are sometimes classified as microorganisms