Which of the following statement is/ are  correct for single cell protein (SCP)?

(i) It provides a protein rich supplement.

(ii) It helps to minimise environmental pollution.

(iii) They can be grown easily on materials like waste water from potato processing plants (containing starch), straw, molasses, animal manure ,etc.

(iv) Methylophilus methylotrophus, can be expected to produce 25 tonnes of protein.

(i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) only.

The correct answer is Option (4)- (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) only.

One of the alternate sources of proteins for animal and human nutrition is Single Cell Protein (SCP). Microbes are being grown on an industrial scale as source of good protein.

Microbes like Spirulina can be grown easily on materials like waste water from potato processing plants (containing starch), straw, molasses, animal manure and even sewage, to produce large quantities and can serve as food rich in protein, minerals, fats, carbohydrate and vitamins. Incidentally such utilisation also reduces environmental pollution.

It has been calculated that a 250 Kg cow produces 200 g of protein per day. In the same period, 250g of a micro-organism like Methylophilus methylotrophus, because of its high rate of biomass production and growth, can be expected to produce 25 tonnes of protein.