Question

The product formation is transient in continuous culture.

(a) True

(b) False

I have been asked this question during an interview.

My query is from Comparison of Batch and Continuous Culture in Industrial Processes in portion Microbial Growth Kinetics of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Correct option is (b) False

Easiest explanation: In batch fermentation, the demands of the culture vary during the fermentation- at the beginning, the oxygen demand is low but towards the end the demand is high, due to the high biomass and the increased viscosity of the broth. Also, the amount of cooling required will increase during the process, as will the degree of pH control. In a continuous process oxygen demand, cooling requirements and pH control should remain constant. Thus, the use of continuous culture should allow for the easier introduction of process automation.