Microbial biotechnology 1 2024/25

The most recalcitrant polymers not prone to degradation contain:

• short chains (low molecular weight)

• carbon to carbon backbone, highly hydrophobic character

• crystalline structure and ester bonds

• backbone build from different atoms like oxygen, nitrogen, carbon

Plastics labeled with home compost degradation symbol (see label) will be mineralised by microorganisms within:

• 6 months in industrial compost

• 2 years in soil

• 1 month in water

• 6 months in home compost

Laccases and peroxidases transform substrates through:

• hydrolysis

• oxidation-reduction

• lysis

• isomerisation

Photodegradation of polymers is their ...... under ...... radiation

• decomposition, visible light

• synthesis, UV A

• decomposition, UV C

• synthesis, visible light

The best substrates for the synthesis of plastics in accordance with the principles of the circular economy are:

• safe, edible products e.g. starch

• waste products

• fossil fuels

• all answers are correct