Question

250 g of methylophilus can be expected to produce_______ tonnes of proteins
(a) 15
(b) 25
(c) 40
(d) 50

Answer 1

Hint: Many species of bacteria have been investigated for use in single cell protein production. Methylophilus methylotrophus with a generation time of about 2 hours is mainly used in animal feed as bacteria. In general, it produces more favorable protein composition than yeast and fungi.
Complete answer:
- 250 g of methylophilus can be expected to produce 25 tonnes of proteins.
- It has been calculated that A 250 kg cow produces 200 gm of protein per day.
- In the same period, 250 gm of microorganisms such as Methylophilus methylotrophus, because of its high rate of biomass production and growth, can be expected to produce 25 tonnes of protein.
Additional information:
Large quantities of SCP animal feed can be produced using these bacteria.
Among the characteristics that make bacteria suitable for this application include their rapid growth, short generation times, the capability of growing on a variety of raw materials ranging from carbohydrates such as starch and sugars to gaseous and liquid hydrocarbons, etc.
Microorganisms also have a high content of protein.
Microbial biomass production as single- cell protein is independent of seasonal as well as climatic variation.
Therefore microbial strains with high yield and good composition can be selected and cultured in large quantities in laboratory conditions.
So the correct answer is 25 tonnes.

Note:
- For the production of SCP using methylophilus methanol is used as substrate.2 metric tonnes of methanol yield around 1 metric ton of dry single- cell protein.
- In addition to the carbon sources, other nutrient sources such as phosphorus, nitrogen, calcium, and potassium should be provided for optimal growth