Question

Explain the role of microbes in fermentation industry.

Answer 1

Microbes carry out controlled fermentation on a large scale to make foods, beverages and useful industrial products.

1. Alcoholic beverages: Saccharomyces cerevisiae ferments sugars in malted cereals or fruit juices to produce ethanol and carbon dioxide. It is used in making beer, wine and other alcoholic beverages in large vessels called fermenters.
2. Bread and bakery products: Baker’s yeast ferments sugars in dough and releases carbon dioxide, which makes the dough rise and gives bread a light texture.
3. Food products: Lactic acid bacteria ferment milk to make curd and are also used in the preparation of yoghurt and some cheeses. Microbes also ferment idli and dosa batter.
4. Organic acids: Microbes produce substances such as citric acid, acetic acid and lactic acid for use in food and industry.
5. Industrial products: Microbial fermentation is also used to produce antibiotics, enzymes and other bioactive molecules.

Thus, fermentation harnesses microbial activity to manufacture a wide range of useful products.