A Microbe Is Discovered Growing near a Deep Sea Thermal

question 39

Multiple Choice

A microbe is discovered growing near a deep sea thermal vent. When researchers bring a sample up to the surface and try to grow it in a lab at room temperature in a normal incubator, they are unsuccessful. Why?

• A) The pressure isn't the same at sea-level as it is on the ocean floor.
• B) Oxygen concentrations are very different between the two environments-it's possible the microbe is a strict anaerobe and is poisoned by the air (oxygen) in the lab.
• C) Salt concentrations might be different in the media the researchers are attempting to use and the salt water the microbe is used to living in. This might be causing osmotic pressure differences that the microbe can't tolerate.
• D) The temperature is probably very different-the bottom of the ocean would be very cold, while these researchers are trying to grow this microbe at room temperature. The enzymes in the cells are probably outside of their normal operating range at room temperature, and therefore nonfunctional.
• E) All of the above.

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Definitions:

Equivalent Units

A concept in cost accounting to express the amount of work done on partially finished goods in terms of fully finished units.

Direct Materials

Raw materials that are directly attributable to the production of goods, forming an integral part of the finished product.

Conversion Costs

The costs incurred to convert raw materials into finished goods, comprising both direct labor costs and manufacturing overhead.

Conversion Costs

Expenses for labor and overhead that transform raw materials into finished goods.