Question

What is a single cell protein? Give its sources and significance.

Answer 1

They are edible unicellular organisms that normally grow on agricultural waste and can be used to supplement protein in both humans and animals.

Complete answer:

The crude, processed, or edible protein derived from pure microbial cultures, dead, or dried cell biomass is referred to as single-cell protein.

Algae, fungi, yeast, and bacteria, for example, have a high protein concentration in their biomass. These bacteria may be cultured on low-cost substrates such as agricultural waste, such as wood shavings, sawdust, and corn cobs, as well as human and animal waste. Single-cell proteins are also known to be the source of protein and thus are used as the protein-rich diet by humans as well as animals.

Sources:

Single-cell protein can be extracted from algae, yeasts, fungi, and bacteria that grow on agricultural waste materials. The complete list of the sources has been listed below:

Algae

Chlorella pyrenoidosa

Chondrus crispus

Spirulina (spa)

Yeast

Candida tropicalis

Candida utilis

Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Fungi

Rhizopus cyclopean

Aspergillus niger

Aspergillus fumigatus

Bacteria

Lactobacillus

Pseudomonas fluorescens

Bacillus megaterium

Significance of single cell protein:

Single cell protein contains high protein, lipids, and vitamins that provide great health benefits to the people. The major advantages include:

• Microorganisms have a rapid rate of multiplication, which means they may create a huge amount of biomass in a relatively short amount of time.
• The amino acid makeup of the bacteria can simply be changed by genetic modification.
• As a substrate, a wide range of raw materials, including waste materials, can be used. This also aids in the reduction of pollution levels.
• Climate conditions have no effect on production.

Note: Single-cell proteins can be utilized as fodder for growing calves and pigs, in fish breeding, as well as in animal husbandry — poultry and cattle farming. SCP (Single Cell Protein) is an unusual but possible answer to the problem of protein deficit that affects the entire human population.