Question 18M.3.HL.TZ1.9
Date | May 2018 | Marks available | [Maximum mark: 8] | Reference code | 18M.3.HL.TZ1.9 |
Level | HL | Paper | 3 | Time zone | TZ1 |
Command term | Explain, Label, Outline, State | Question number | 9 | Adapted from | N/A |
The diagram shows an industrial anaerobic fermenter.
State one fuel that can be produced in this fermenter.
[1]
methane / biogas

Outline one variable that must be controlled in an industrial fermenter
[1]
a. anaerobic conditions / prevent entry of oxygen
b. warm temperatures / temperature above 15°C
c. different communities of microorganisms / Eubacteria and methanogens
d. proper pH needs to be maintained

Explain factors that affect the rate of activity of microorganisms in fermenters.
[3]
a. changes of pH (possibly caused by changes of CO2) affect enzyme activity
b. ambient pressure / build-up of gases may affect reactions involving gases
c. increase of temperature could affect reaction rates /denature enzymes
d. decrease in nutrients/raw materials/change in substrate could decrease rate of product formation
e. increase in wastes could decrease rate of metabolism
f. particle size affects rate of fermentation associated with surface area (for substrate interactions)
g. mixing is necessary as sedimentation lowers surface area thus decreasing rate of reactions

The diagram represents the cell walls of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Label the layers I, II and III.
[3]
l. peptidoglycan
ll. outer membrane/layer of lipopolysaccharide and protein
lll. peptidoglycan
