Question

Consider the following four statements (a-d) and select the option which includes all the correct ones only.
a. Single cell Spirulina can produce large quantities of food rich in protein, minerals, vitamins etc.
b. Body weight-wise, the microorganisms Methylophilus methylotrophus may be able to produce several times more proteins, than the cow per day.
c. Common button mushrooms are a very rich source of vitamin C.
d. A rice variety has been developed which is very rich in calcium.
A. Statements (a), (b), (d)
B. Statements (b), (c), (d)
C. Statements (a), (b)
D. Statements (c), (d)

Answer 1

Hint: Spirulina is a blue green algae of the genus Anthrospira. It is used as supplement, fodder for aquarium organisms and also in poultry. Methylophilus methylotrophus is a single flagellated motile bacterium. Button mushroom is Agaricus bisporus of the division basidiomycota.

Complete answer:
Let us look at each of the statements given in the question and see which is right and which of them are wrong. First option is about Spirulina. Spirulina is an alga and is one of the most popular and nutritious supplements today. It is packed with nutrients and contains more than 50% of its weight as proteins. It also contains vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and minerals like copper and iron along with little amount of magnesium, potassium and manganese.
The next is a very interesting organism Methylophilus methylotrophus. It is an interesting organism because of the very fact that it can produce very high amounts of protein; much more than its body weight. It is said that 250 kg cows can produce around 200g. But it can be observed that 250g of this bacterium can produce a whooping 25000kg of protein in a day due to its high rate of growth and biomass production.
Button mushrooms are the most common mushrooms that are cultivated today. The button mushrooms are a good source of energy. They contain a good amount of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals apart from 93% of the water content. The vitamins present in the button mushrooms are generally vitamin B. The vitamin C content is very low in these mushrooms.
The last statement is also wrong as rice varieties have been developed today with greater protein content and even higher yielding varieties but there are no calcium rich rice varieties developed today.

So, we can see that option (a) and (b) are the only right options so the right answer is option C.

Note:
Spirulina is a superfood with many other health benefits such as lowering blood cholesterol, anti-cancer properties, reduces blood pressure, increases endurance and muscle strength. Because of all these reasons it is used by astronauts and as an added advantage it does not take up much space or mass in the spaceship.