This set of Environmental Biotechnology Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Microorganisms and Pesticide Waste Treatment”.
1. Which of the following is the best method to degrade xenobiotic compounds?
a) Microbial degradation
b) Chemical degradation
c) Water degradation
d) Physical agents
View Answer
Explanation: Microbial degradation is the best method to degrade xenobiotic compounds founds in disposal pits, sewage treatment plants etc., as the microorganisms are used to degrade xenobiotic compounds is the best method. It can degrade all the pollutants efficiently, thereby causing no harm to the environment. Chemical degradation is harmful to the environment, water degradation doesn’t remove any pollutants and using physical agents it is very difficult to remove or separate the pollutants.
2. Which of the following doesn’t use microbial degradation method?
a) Sewage sludge
b) Pesticide disposals
c) Polluted water
d) Redox potential
View Answer
Explanation: Redox potential, pH, ion concentration and temperature are the factors that influence the decomposition of xenobiotic compounds and is not a system that helps degrade the pollutants using microorganisms, whereas, sewage sludge, pesticide disposals and polluted water uses microbial degradation method to degrade xenobiotic compounds.
3. Which of the following microbes are known to degrade xenobiotic compounds?
a) Planktonic algae
b) Cyanobacteria
c) Fungi
d) Goldfish
View Answer
Explanation: Goldfish is not a microbe which can be used to degrade the pollutants present in various wastes, whereas, Planktonic algae, cyanobacteria, fungi, protozoa, bacteria etc., are the microbes used to degrade xenobiotic compounds. Also, it can degrade all the pollutants efficiently, thereby causing no harm to the environment.
4. Which of the following fungi is not known to degrade DDT insecticide?
a) Aspergillus niger
b) Mucor alternans
c) Penicillium sp.
d) Bacillus cereus
View Answer
Explanation: Bacillus cereus is a bacterium which is known to degrade DDT insecticide but it is not a fungus, whereas, Aspergillus niger, Mucor alternans, Penicillium sp. are the fungi that are known to degrade DDT insecticide. As the microorganisms are used to degrade xenobiotic compounds, it is the best method. It can degrade all the pollutants efficiently and don’t cause any harm to the environment.
5. Which of the following bacteria is not known to degrade Aldicarb insecticide?
a) E. coli
b) P. putida
c) Bacillus sp.
d) Mucor sp.
View Answer
Explanation: Mucor sp. is a particular type of fungi that can degrade Aldicarb insecticide, E. coli, P. putida, Bacillus sp. are bacteria that help in degradation Aldicarb insecticide. Biological methods are usually the best method to degrade xenobiotic compounds or any type of insecticide. The microorganisms used can degrade all the pollutants efficiently and don’t cause any harm to the environment.
6. Sphingomonas paucimobilis can degrade which of the following toxic compound?
a) Lindane
b) Carbon dioxide
c) Lithium
d) Magnesium
View Answer
Explanation: Lindane is the toxic compound that can be degraded by Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and it can effectively degrade it into simple compounds which are not harmful to the environment. Also, Sphingomonas paucimobilis can effectively degrade HCH i.e. Hexachlorocyclohexane molecule which is known to be more toxic. Carbon dioxide, Lithium and Magnesium are not toxic to the environment as Lindane.
7. Which of the following microbes can degrade carbaryl most efficiently?
a) Pseudomonas melophthora
b) Sphingomonas paucimobilis
c) P. putida
d) E. coli
View Answer
Explanation: Pseudomonas melophthora is known to degrade carbaryl most efficiently and thereby degrading it to several metabolites, decreasing their toxicity and harm to the environment. Lindane can be degraded by Sphingomonas paucimobilis. Whereas, E. coli, P. putida, Bacillus sp. are bacteria that help in degradation Aldicarb insecticide.
8. Pyrethroids are susceptible to microbial degradation.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: Degradation of toxic compounds, particularly the toxic ones and the hydrocarbon are co-metabolic in nature. Pyrethroids are known to be highly unstable chemicals and hence, they are mostly susceptible to microbial degradation, also, can be degraded by chemical hydrolysis.
9. Which of the following system is affected by pyrethroids?
a) Ovulation
b) Circulatory system
c) Nerves
d) Digestive system
View Answer
Explanation: Pyrethroids usually affects ovulation in females, they harm the ovules and the follicular cells by decreasing their number. They also affect oocytes and various female endometrial glands. But the molecule doesn’t interfere with the activity of the ionic permeability of nerve cell membranes, or circulatory system or digestive system. These are certainly not affected by the pyrethroids or any micro pollutants.
10. Tolerant cyanobacteria strain has higher esterase activity.
a) True
b) False
View Answer
Explanation: The tolerant strain of cyanobacteria, developed due to extended exposure to high levels of insecticide concentrations, usually show high esterase activity than the strains that are usually sensitive. Cyanobacteria Anabaena sp. are known to degrade Pyrethroids with high efficiency.
Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Environmental Biotechnology.
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