Question

Which one of the following cannot be suggested as advantages of SCP?
A.Largely meet protein requirement of human
B.Many enzymes, bioactive molecules etc can be harnessed industrially
C.Do not require special culture media
D.Reduces environmental pollution

Answer 1

Hint: Single cell proteins also known as microbial proteins, are the edible unicellular organisms. They develop when microbes ferment waste products like human and animal excreta, cannery...etc. Single cell protein is commonly grown on agricultural waste products, that inherits the ecological footprint and water footprint of agriculture. Some kinds of single cell proteins exhibit unpleasant colours and odours.

Complete answer:
The single cell protein is highly rich in quality protein and poor in fats. Some of the single cell proteins are good sources of vitamins especially rich in Vitamin-B. For example, yeasts and mushrooms-which is considered a delicacy in human diet. It bridges the gap between requirement and supply of proteins.
The production of microbial culture like any other culture requires a nitrogen source, carbohydrate sources and nutrients like phosphorus to support the optimal growth of the culture. They prevent contamination by maintaining strict sterile conditions throughout the process. The selected microorganism is inoculated in pure conditions.

It helps in reducing the environmental pollution and also reduces the depletion of natural resources.

Hence, the correct answer is Option (B).

Note: The cell wall of some organisms is non-digestible for humans, such as cellulose. In order to liberate the cell interior, some kinds of single cell protein are broken, which allows complete digestion. They have a much higher growth rate when compared to others.