Question

Single cell protein (SCP) is the production of ?

(a) Extracellular proteins

(b) Fermentation of waste products

(c) Intracellular proteins extraction

(d) Metabolites

The question was asked in a national level competition.

This interesting question is from The Range of Fermentation Processes in division Introduction to Fermentation Processes & Media for Industrial Fermentation of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

(c) Intracellular proteins extraction

Single-cell protein (SCP) refers to the production of protein from microorganisms like bacteria, yeast, fungi, or algae, which are grown and harvested for their high-protein content. SCP is not typically associated with the production of extracellular proteins or metabolites, but rather with the intracellular proteins present in the cells of microorganisms.

SCP is produced using various fermentation processes where microbial cells are cultured on substrates such as agricultural or industrial waste, and the protein content of the cells is extracted for use in animal feed or as a food source for humans.