Question

Which of the following is not an advantage of continuous culture?

(a) Can be used for different reactions every day

(b) Little risk of infection or strain mutation

(c) Long growth periods of subtrates/microbes

(d) Eliminating the inherent down time for cleaning and sterilization

I have been asked this question in an interview.

My doubt stems from Continuous Culture topic in section Microbial Growth Kinetics of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Correct answer is (c) Long growth periods of subtrates/microbes

To elaborate: Long growth periods not only increase the risk of contamination but also dictate that the bioreactor must be extremely reliable and consistent, incurring a potentially larger initial expenditure in higher quality equipment.