Which of the following are components of a bioreactor?
I. Agitator system
II. Oxygen delivery system
III. Foam control system
IV. Temperature control system
V. pH control system
VI. Sampling ports to withdraw cultures periodically
Choose the correct option.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → I, II, III, IV, V and VI
A bioreactor is a large vessel in which cells are grown to make a product on a large scale. It must give the cells the best conditions: the right temperature, pH, oxygen and mixing. The common stirred-tank bioreactor has a set of control systems for this.
I. Agitator system — True. The stirrer mixes the contents evenly and spreads oxygen through the culture.
II. Oxygen delivery system — True. Sterile air is supplied so that the cells get enough oxygen.
III. Foam control system — True. Stirring and bubbling make foam. A foam breaker keeps it down.
IV. Temperature control system — True. Cells grow best at an optimum temperature, which is kept steady.
V. pH control system — True. Acid or base is added to keep the pH at the best level.
VI. Sampling ports to withdraw cultures periodically — True. Small volumes of the culture are taken out from time to time to check its progress.
All six are parts of a bioreactor.
NCERT Extract:
Obtaining the Foreign Gene Product – “… A stirred-tank reactor is usually cylindrical or with a curved base to facilitate the mixing of the reactor contents. The stirrer facilitates even mixing and oxygen availability throughout the bioreactor. Alternatively air can be bubbled through the reactor. If you look at the figure closely you will see that the bioreactor has an agitator system, an oxygen delivery system and a foam control system, a temperature control system, pH control system and sampling ports so that small volumes of the culture can be withdrawn periodically.”
Figure 9.7 (a) Simple stirred-tank bioreactor; (b) Sparged stirred-tank bioreactor through which sterile air bubbles are sparged