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Question #47737
The Question
A biopharmaceutical facility is cultivating Trichoderma polysporum in a sparged stirred-tank bioreactor. Due to a mechanical failure, the sparger produces significantly larger bubbles than normal, drastically reducing the total surface area for oxygen transfer. Which of the following represents the most accurate consequence of this failure on the downstream processing of the target bioactive molecule?
Options
- A.
The concentration of Cyclosporin A in the fermentation broth will fall, resulting in poor column binding and failure to recover the immunosuppressive agent during the elution phase of chromatography.
- B.
The yield of statins will decrease, preventing the effective elution of the blood-cholesterol lowering agent from the affinity chromatography column.
- C.
The fungus will shift to anaerobic fermentation, increasing the titer of Cyclosporin A but causing it to denature during the elution step of agarose gel electrophoresis.
- D.
Reduced aeration will inhibit the continuous culture system, causing the premature elution of the bioactive molecule during the initial separation phase of downstream processing.
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Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
Viral_Genome|Electrophoretic_Mobility_Shift_Assay|Somatic_Cell
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Integrating knowledge across two NCERT chapters (Microbes in Human Welfare & Biotechnology Principles).
Students must first correctly identify the metabolite (Cyclosporin A, not statins) produced by T. polysporum.
Then, they must understand the physical mechanics of a sparged stirred-tank bioreactor (bubble size inversely correlates with oxygen transfer area).
Finally, they must apply the concept of 'elution' in downstream processing, recognizing that low upstream titers lead to failed downstream chromatographic elution.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Biotechnology : Principles and Processes - Class 12 |
| Concept | Gel Electrophoresis Migration |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |