Downstream Processing

Description: This quiz covers the fundamental concepts, techniques, and applications of downstream processing in biotechnology.
Number of Questions: 15
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Tags: biotechnology downstream processing product recovery purification separation
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What is the primary goal of downstream processing in biotechnology?

  1. To separate and purify the desired product from a complex mixture.

  2. To optimize the production of the desired product.

  3. To control the quality of the final product.

  4. To minimize the cost of production.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Downstream processing aims to isolate and purify the target product from a complex mixture, which may contain impurities, contaminants, and other undesired substances.

Which of the following is not a commonly used unit operation in downstream processing?

  1. Filtration

  2. Centrifugation

  3. Chromatography

  4. Crystallization


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Crystallization is not typically used in downstream processing, as it is primarily employed for the purification of solid compounds, whereas downstream processing focuses on the separation and purification of biomolecules.

What is the purpose of cell disruption in downstream processing?

  1. To release the intracellular contents of the cells.

  2. To improve the efficiency of downstream processing operations.

  3. To reduce the viscosity of the cell suspension.

  4. To facilitate the removal of impurities.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Cell disruption is employed to break open the cells and release their intracellular contents, which may contain the desired product or other valuable biomolecules.

Which type of chromatography is commonly used for the separation of proteins based on their size?

  1. Size-exclusion chromatography

  2. Ion-exchange chromatography

  3. Affinity chromatography

  4. Reversed-phase chromatography


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) is widely used for the separation of proteins based on their size, as it allows molecules of different sizes to elute from the column at different times.

What is the principle behind ion-exchange chromatography?

  1. Separation of molecules based on their charge.

  2. Separation of molecules based on their size.

  3. Separation of molecules based on their hydrophobicity.

  4. Separation of molecules based on their affinity for a specific ligand.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ion-exchange chromatography separates molecules based on their charge, as positively charged molecules bind to negatively charged resins, while negatively charged molecules bind to positively charged resins.

Which of the following is not a common method for the purification of antibodies?

  1. Protein A chromatography

  2. Protein G chromatography

  3. Ion-exchange chromatography

  4. Size-exclusion chromatography


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Size-exclusion chromatography is not commonly used for the purification of antibodies, as it separates molecules based on their size, which is not a primary factor in antibody purification.

What is the purpose of ultrafiltration in downstream processing?

  1. To concentrate the desired product.

  2. To remove impurities from the product.

  3. To sterilize the product.

  4. To adjust the pH of the product.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Ultrafiltration is used to concentrate the desired product by selectively allowing smaller molecules and impurities to pass through the membrane, while retaining the larger molecules of interest.

Which of the following is not a common method for the purification of nucleic acids?

  1. Phenol-chloroform extraction

  2. Ethanol precipitation

  3. Ion-exchange chromatography

  4. Size-exclusion chromatography


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Size-exclusion chromatography is not commonly used for the purification of nucleic acids, as it separates molecules based on their size, which is not a primary factor in nucleic acid purification.

What is the primary purpose of lyophilization in downstream processing?

  1. To remove water from the product.

  2. To sterilize the product.

  3. To increase the stability of the product.

  4. To improve the solubility of the product.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Lyophilization (freeze-drying) is primarily used to remove water from the product, which increases its stability and shelf life by preventing microbial growth and chemical degradation.

Which of the following is not a common method for the purification of enzymes?

  1. Affinity chromatography

  2. Ion-exchange chromatography

  3. Size-exclusion chromatography

  4. Reversed-phase chromatography


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Reversed-phase chromatography is not commonly used for the purification of enzymes, as it is primarily employed for the separation of small hydrophobic molecules, whereas enzymes are typically large and hydrophilic.

What is the purpose of sterile filtration in downstream processing?

  1. To remove bacteria and other microorganisms from the product.

  2. To remove impurities from the product.

  3. To concentrate the desired product.

  4. To adjust the pH of the product.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Sterile filtration is employed to remove bacteria and other microorganisms from the product, ensuring its sterility and preventing contamination during storage and use.

Which of the following is not a common method for the purification of carbohydrates?

  1. Ion-exchange chromatography

  2. Size-exclusion chromatography

  3. Affinity chromatography

  4. Reversed-phase chromatography


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Reversed-phase chromatography is not commonly used for the purification of carbohydrates, as it is primarily employed for the separation of small hydrophobic molecules, whereas carbohydrates are typically large and hydrophilic.

What is the purpose of crystallization in downstream processing?

  1. To obtain the desired product in a solid form.

  2. To remove impurities from the product.

  3. To concentrate the desired product.

  4. To adjust the pH of the product.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Crystallization is employed to obtain the desired product in a solid form, which facilitates its handling, storage, and transportation, and also improves its stability and purity.

Which of the following is not a common method for the purification of lipids?

  1. Thin-layer chromatography

  2. Gas chromatography

  3. High-performance liquid chromatography

  4. Size-exclusion chromatography


Correct Option: D
Explanation:

Size-exclusion chromatography is not commonly used for the purification of lipids, as it separates molecules based on their size, which is not a primary factor in lipid purification.

What is the purpose of drying in downstream processing?

  1. To remove water from the product.

  2. To sterilize the product.

  3. To increase the stability of the product.

  4. To improve the solubility of the product.


Correct Option: A
Explanation:

Drying is employed to remove water from the product, which increases its stability and shelf life by preventing microbial growth and chemical degradation.

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