Question

SCP made for human consumption as a balanced diet by CFTRI Mysore is a
A. Nutrilite
B. Protein Powder
C. Spirulina
D. Humulin

Answer 1

Hint: Single-cell protein (SCP) refers to protein derived from cells of microorganisms such as bacteria, algae, yeast and fungi. They are grown on various carbon sources for synthesis. The dried cells of microorganisms or the whole organism is harvested and consumed.

Complete Answer:
- Single cell protein serves as an alternate source of proteins for both animal and human nutrition. On an industrial scale microbes are being grown as a source of good protein.
- Microbes like Spirulina can be easily grown on materials like waste water from potato processing plants which contain starch, straw, molasses, animal manure and even sewage, to produce large quantities and can serve as food rich in protein, minerals, fats, carbohydrate and vitamins.
- As all of this exists in nature itself it reduces environmental pollution. It has been calculated that a 250 Kg cow produces 200 g of protein per day. In the same period, 250g of a micro-organism like Methylophilus methylotrophus, because of its high rate of biomass production and growth, can be expected to produce 25 tonnes of protein.
- Microbes too would become acceptable as food, as the fact that mushrooms are eaten by many people and large scale mushroom culture is a growing industry.

So the answer is C. Spirulina.

Note: SCP is a protein source for animal feeds and human food supplements. Its production may have potential for feeding the ever-increasing world population. In a single day massive quantities of SCP can be produced. It is very promising that as a source of protein it has potential to satisfy the world shortage of food while population increases.