Question

What is the growth condition for Penicillium chrysogenum with glucose as energy source?

(a) Aerobic

(b) Anaerobic

(c) Tryptophan limited

(d) Glucose limited

This question was posed to me in a job interview.

Asked question is from Kinetics of Cell Substrate Uptake in Cell Culture in section Homogenous Reactions of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Correct choice is (a) Aerobic

For explanation: Penicillin was the first important commercial product produced by an aerobic, submerged fermentation. Penicillin is produced by the fungus Penicillium chrysogenum which requires lactose, other sugars, and a source of nitrogen (in this case a yeast extract) in the medium to grow well.