Nature of science:
Serendipity has led to scientific discoveries—the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming could be viewed as a chance occurrence.
Microorganisms are metabolically diverse.
Microorganisms are used in industry because they are small and have a fast growth rate.
Pathway engineering optimizes genetic and regulatory processes within microorganisms.
Pathway engineering is used industrially to produce metabolites of interest.
Fermenters allow large-scale production of metabolites by microorganisms.
Fermentation is carried out by batch or continuous culture.
Microorganisms in fermenters become limited by their own waste products.
Probes are used to monitor conditions within fermenters.
Conditions are maintained at optimal levels for the growth of the microorganisms being cultured.
Deep-tank batch fermentation in the mass production of penicillin.
Production of citric acid in a continuous fermenter by Aspergillus niger and its use as a preservative and flavouring.
Biogas is produced by bacteria and archaeans from organic matter in fermenters.
Gram staining of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Experiments showing zone of inhibition of bacterial growth by bactericides in sterile bacterial cultures.
Production of biogas in a small-scale fermenter.