any notes for
- outline the use of microorganisms and fermenters to manufacture the antibiotic
penicillin
- describe the role of the fungus Penicillium in the production of antibiotic penicillin
and
- discuss the adaptations of the leaf, stem and root to three contrasting environments, to include pond, garden and desert, with emphasis on local examples (where appropriate) and the factors described in the core.
The fermenters are used to manufacture antibiotics to provide a sterile environment and optimum conditions ie optimum temperature and pH. Microorganisms speed up the process of producing antibiotics.
Adaptations of plants:
POND: eg: canadian pondweed
- stomata present on upper surface only to absorb carbon dioxide and give out oxygen easily and transpiration is not a problem as water is in abundance.
- The upper epidermis contains chlorophyll as absorbing light energy through the water is difficult therefore it increases photosynthesis
- leaves are thing and ribbon-like in order not to get ruptured by water currents
- the stem contains air spaces to provide buoyancy and to allow diffusion of gases throughout the plant. This provide energy to absorb nutrients by active uptake as they respire aerobically
- stems are flexible and ribbon-like
- roots are virtually absent as water is in abundance hence they do not need to absorb water from the soil.
DESERT: eg: cactus
- leaves are reduced to spines to protect the plant from being eaten and to reduce water loss and in order not to get ruptured by strong desert winds
- stem contains chlorophyll to carry out photosynthesis, it is covered in cutilce to prevent water loss
- stem stores water and nutrients
- stem is short and juicy in order not to get ruptured by strong desert winds
- roots are long to provide anchorage and to reach the water table deep underground
