Question

Which type of catalysis reaction defines cell growth?

(a) Tandem catalysis

(b) Surface catalysis

(c) Homo catalysis

(d) Autocatalysis

I have been asked this question in my homework.

This intriguing question comes from Basic Reaction Theory in section Homogenous Reactions of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Correct option is (d) Autocatalysis

For explanation I would say: Cell growth is an autocatalytic reaction: this means that the catalyst is a product of the reaction. The performance of catalytic reactions is characterized by variables such as the reaction rate and yield of product from substrate. In bioreactors, the growth is autocatalytic in that the more cells you have, the greater the growth rate.