Key Concepts for Chapter 44

These are the most important concepts you are learning in this chapter:

The use of microorganisms in industrial microbiology and as a part of the new biotechnology involves the management of microbial growth processes. Factors limiting microbial growth must also be understood and controlled.

In modern biotechnology, microorganisms with specific genetic characteristics can be constructed to meet desired objectives. Earlier, mutation and screening (selection) were the major means of improving cultures from the available gene pool.

The media and growth conditions used in industrial processes often are created to provide specific limitations on microbial growth and functioning.

Different types of products are produced during and after the completion of microbial growth. Stopping growth at a specific point often is a necessary part of an industrial process.

Through recombinant DNA technology, the fields of protein engineering and metabolic engineering have been created.

Hypermutation and "forced evolution" are being used to create "new" microbes and microbial products. This new area of study is called evolutionary biotechnology.

Biopolymers, including cyclodextrins, continue to have new roles in a wide variety of medical, industrial, and consumer products.

Bioremediation usually is carried out without the addition of specific microorganisms by natural or managed microbial processes.

In many situations it is important to inhibit microbial degradation of materials, or biodegradation.

Microbial cells and their products can be used in immobilized forms. Such biocatalysts have many uses, including the removal of metals from process streams.

Microorganisms are being linked with electronics to produce biosensors. Biosensors have many medical, industrial, and environmental applications.

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