Question

Which of the following component is a common nitrogen source in fermentation media?

• A. Glucose
• B. Peptone
• C. Phosphate
• D. Ethanol

Hint:

• Microorganisms need Macronutrients (C, H, O, N, P, S, K, Mg, Ca, Fe) and Micronutrients.
• Nitrogen sources} can be organic (e.g., amino acids, peptides from peptone, yeast extract) or inorganic (e.g., ammonium salts, nitrates).
• Peptone and yeast extract are complex nitrogen sources providing amino acids and other growth factors.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Microorganisms require a source of nitrogen for the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and other nitrogen-containing cellular components. Fermentation media must provide this nitrogen. Let's analyze the options: (a) Glucose (C\(_6\)H\(_{12}\)O\(_6\)): A common carbon and energy source. It contains C, H, O but no nitrogen. (b) Peptone: A complex mixture of peptides and amino acids produced by the partial hydrolysis of proteins (e.g., from meat, casein, soy). Amino acids and peptides are rich in nitrogen (due to amino groups -NH\(_2\)). Peptones are widely used as an organic nitrogen source in microbial culture media. (c) Phosphate (e.g., KH\(_2\)PO\(_4\), K\(_2\)HPO\(_4\)): A source of phosphorus, essential for nucleic acids, ATP, phospholipids. It contains P and O, but no nitrogen. (d) Ethanol (C\(_2\)H\(_5\)OH): An organic compound containing C, H, O. Can be a carbon/energy source for some microbes or a product of fermentation. No nitrogen. Therefore, peptone is a common nitrogen source in fermentation media. Other common nitrogen sources include yeast extract, meat extract, ammonium salts (e.g., (NH\(_4\))\( _2\)SO\(_4\)), nitrates, and urea. \[ \boxed{\text{Peptone}} \]