Biochemistry and Microbiology
Unit 1. The chemistry of life and the role of micro-organisms.
About this unit
This unit covers the chemistry of living things and the tiny organisms that drive many farm processes. It begins with pH and buffers, then the biomolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, enzymes, nucleic acids). It then describes the main groups of micro-organisms and their roles in respiration, fermentation, decomposition and soil fertility. These ideas explain soil pH, composting, biofertilisers, curd making and many plant diseases.
How to prepare
Learn the pH formula and practise a few calculations. Make a table of biomolecules with their building blocks and examples, and a list of vitamins with deficiency diseases. For micro-organisms, learn one example and one feature for each group. Memorise the nitrogen-cycle organisms (Rhizobium, Azotobacter, Nitrosomonas, Nitrobacter).
Topics in this chapter
pH and buffers
Meaning of pH and buffer solutions.
5 questionsBiomolecules
Classification and nomenclature of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, vitamins, enzymes and nucleic acids.
6 questionsMicro-organisms
Microbial cell structure; algae, bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, protozoa and viruses.
5 questionsRole of micro-organisms
Respiration, fermentation, decomposition of organic matter, and soil flora and fauna.
6 questions