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Question 20N.3.SL.TZ0.c

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Date November 2020 Marks available [Maximum mark: 3] Reference code 20N.3.SL.TZ0.c
Level SL Paper 3 Time zone TZ0
Command term Explain Question number c Adapted from N/A
c.
[Maximum mark: 3]
20N.3.SL.TZ0.c

The diagram shows an aerated fermenter commonly used in biotechnology.

[Source: Adapted from GYassineMrabetTalk, CC BY-SA 3.0
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.]

Explain how penicillin can be produced in a fermenter.

[3]

Markscheme

a. takes place in (deep-tank) batch fermenters;

b. Penicillium (fungus) is grown on sugar/starch/nutrients;

c. penicillin is produced when the nutrients are used up;

d. penicillin secreted by the fungus is separated and purified;

e. occurs under aerobic conditions/Penicillium is an obligate aerobe;

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