Which of the following is an example of bioremediation?
a. application of oil-degrading bacteria to an oil spill
b. application of bacteria to a crop to prevent frost damage
c. fixation of gaseous nitrogen into usable nitrogen
d. production by bacteria of a human protein such as interferon
e. all of the above

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of bioremediation: It is the process of using microorganisms to remove or neutralize contaminants from a polluted area.
2. Analyze option a: Application of oil-degrading bacteria to an oil spill involves using bacteria to break down and remove oil, which fits the definition of bioremediation.
3. Analyze option b: Application of bacteria to a crop to prevent frost damage is not about removing contaminants, but rather protecting plants, so it does not fit the definition of bioremediation.
4. Analyze option c: Fixation of gaseous nitrogen into usable nitrogen is a natural process of converting nitrogen gas into a form that plants can use, but it is not specifically about removing pollutants.
5. Analyze option d: Production by bacteria of a human protein such as interferon involves genetic engineering for medical purposes, not the removal of environmental contaminants.

Key Concepts

Bioremediation

Bioremediation is the process of using living organisms, typically microorganisms, to remove or neutralize contaminants from the environment. This technique is often employed to clean up oil spills, heavy metal contamination, and other hazardous waste, leveraging the natural metabolic processes of bacteria and fungi to degrade pollutants into less harmful substances.

Microbial Metabolism

Microbial metabolism refers to the biochemical processes that occur within microorganisms to convert substrates into energy and cellular components. Different microbes have unique metabolic pathways that allow them to utilize various organic and inorganic compounds, making them essential for processes like bioremediation, where they break down environmental pollutants.

Environmental Applications of Microbiology

Environmental applications of microbiology encompass various techniques that utilize microorganisms to address ecological issues. This includes bioremediation, bioaugmentation, and biostimulation, where microbes are applied to restore contaminated environments, enhance soil fertility, or improve waste management, showcasing the critical role of microbes in maintaining ecological balance.