LIFE SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -For many years, scientists knew that certain molds killed some bacteria. However, researchers needed to understand how to harness this antibacterial microbe and to manufacture enough of the substance before they could make a useful medicine. 1. Penicillium mold naturally produces the antibiotic penicillin.

Detailed explanation-2: -Antibiotics are substances which kill bacteria without harming human cells. They help to cure bacterial infections. Penicillin is made by growing the fungus Penicillium in a large fermenter. Three colonies of a Penicillium mold growing on an agar medium.

Detailed explanation-3: -Usually these fermenters are operated in a batch process. After a certain amount of time for fungal growth, followed by gradual production of antibiotic, the contents are removed and processed to extract the antibiotics, then the fermenter is cleaned, sterilised and the process is repeated.

Detailed explanation-4: -Today penicillin is synthesized in a lab using penicillium mold, which naturally produces penicillin. The mold is grown with sugars and other ingredients through deep-tank fermentation until the penicillin is able to be separated from the mold.

Detailed explanation-5: -From 1945–1955 the development of penicillin, which is produced by a fungus, along with streptomycin, chloramphenicol, and tetracycline, which are produced by soil bacteria, ushered in the antibiotic age (Figure 1).