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Question #131939
The Question
Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): In aerobic bioprocessing, sparged stirred-tank bioreactors are engineered to maximize the surface area-to-volume ratio of air bubbles, whereas according to Allen's rule, mammals in colder climates adapt by evolving shorter extremities to minimize their overall surface area-to-volume ratio.
Reason (R): A high surface area-to-volume ratio facilitates rapid oxygen mass transfer required for microbial growth in bioreactors, but in mammals, it accelerates systemic heat loss which is detrimental in cold environments.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Options
- A.
Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
- B.
Both (A) and (R) are correct but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
- C.
(A) is correct but (R) is not correct
- D.
(A) is not correct but (R) is correct
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Bioreactor Geometry|Allen’s Rule and Surface-to-Volume Ratio|Population Growth Model Dynamics
Why This Question Is Tricky
Examiner Levers
Logical Assertion
Tests the causal relationship between two true statements.
Difficulty Boost : +4Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: The dual nature of the Surface Area-to-Volume (SA:V) ratio.
Students often memorize 'high SA:V is good for cells/diffusion' but fail to apply it as a thermodynamic liability in thermoregulation (Allen's Rule).
The trap lies in contrasting the optimization goals of abiotic engineering (maximizing mass transfer) with evolutionary homeostasis (minimizing heat loss).
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology : Principles and Processes - Class 12 |
| Concept | Bioreactor Geometry |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |