The bacteria **Streptomyces** is a microorganism found in soil - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 3 - 2018
Question 3
The bacteria **Streptomyces** is a microorganism found in soil. It produces a secondary metabolite, the antibiotic streptomycin, which kills other microorganisms. **... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The bacteria **Streptomyces** is a microorganism found in soil - Scottish Highers Biology - Question 3 - 2018
Step 1
a) Name the growth phase during which streptomycin is produced.
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Answer
Streptomycin is produced during the stationary phase of growth. This phase is characterized by a balance between cell division and cell death, allowing the bacteria to produce secondary metabolites like streptomycin.
Step 2
ii) Explain the advantage to Streptomyces of producing an antibiotic such as streptomycin.
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Producing streptomycin provides several advantages to Streptomyces. It helps the bacteria to reduce or eliminate competition by killing or inhibiting the growth of other microorganisms in the vicinity. This competitive edge allows Streptomyces to thrive in specific environments where resources might be limited.
Step 3
b) (i) Suggest the benefit to Streptomyces.
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Streptomyces benefits from the mutualistic relationship by utilizing the carbohydrates released by the plant for growth and energy. This partnership provides essential nutrients that enhance the survival and ecological fitness of the bacteria.
Step 4
ii) Suggest the benefit to the plant.
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The plant benefits as it is protected from pathogens and harmful microorganisms by the presence of Streptomyces. The antibiotic production from Streptomyces helps in safeguarding the plant's health, promoting a more robust growth environment.
Step 5
c) (i) Name one antibiotic with which streptomycin could be validly compared.
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One antibiotic with which streptomycin could be validly compared is Fusidic acid or Gentamycin.
Step 6
ii) Give a conclusion which can be drawn from the results.
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The results indicate that Streptomycin is less effective than both Fusidic acid and Gentamycin at the same concentration, as fewer bacteria survived in the presence of these antibiotics. This suggests that while Streptomycin has some antibacterial effect, its efficacy is lower compared to the mentioned antibiotics at equivalent concentrations.
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