Part of Seek Reboot Daily Mains Answer Writing Practice – 09 October 2024
Why the Question?
UPSC PYQ – CSE Mains – 2023
Keywords of the Question
- Microorganisms
- Meeting the current fuel shortage
Directive Word
Discuss – Essentially this is a written debate where you are using your skill at reasoning, backed up by carefully selected evidence to make a case for and against an argument, or point out the advantages and disadvantages of a given context. Remember to arrive at a conclusion
How to approach this Question?
Introduction
- Briefly introduce the concept of biofuels and the role of microorganisms in their production.
- Mention the relevance of addressing fuel shortages through sustainable means.
Body
- Bioethanol Production: Explain how microorganisms like yeast ferment sugars to produce bioethanol.
- Biodiesel Production: Discuss the role of algae and bacteria in producing biodiesel from lipids.
- Biogas Generation: Highlight how anaerobic bacteria decompose organic waste to produce biogas.
- Microbial Fuel Cells: Mention the use of bacteria in microbial fuel cells to generate electricity from organic matter.
- Hydrogen Production: Describe how certain microorganisms can produce hydrogen gas through biological processes.
Conclusion
- Summarize the potential of microorganisms in providing sustainable fuel solutions.
- Emphasize the importance of further research and development to enhance these technologies.
Note: Please note that the following ‘answers’ are not ‘model answers’ nor are they synopses in the strictest sense. Instead, they are content designed to meet the demands of the question while providing comprehensive coverage of the topic.
Answer Key
Introduction
Microorganisms play a crucial role in the production of biofuels, offering sustainable solutions to the current fuel shortage. By leveraging their natural metabolic processes, we can produce various types of biofuels that are environmentally friendly and renewable.
Body
- Bioethanol Production:
- Yeast Fermentation: Microorganisms such as yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) ferment sugars derived from crops like sugarcane, corn, and cellulosic biomass to produce bioethanol. This bioethanol can be blended with gasoline to reduce fossil fuel consumption.
- Example: Brazil extensively uses bioethanol produced from sugarcane, significantly reducing its dependence on imported oil.
- Biodiesel Production:
- Algae and Bacteria: Certain algae and bacteria can produce lipids, which can be converted into biodiesel through transesterification. Algae, in particular, have high lipid content and can be cultivated on non-arable land, making them a sustainable option.
- Example: Companies like Solazyme (now TerraVia) have developed technologies to produce biodiesel from algae.
- Biogas Generation:
- Anaerobic Digestion: Anaerobic bacteria decompose organic waste materials such as agricultural residues, manure, and food waste to produce biogas, which primarily consists of methane. This biogas can be used for cooking, heating, and electricity generation.
- Example: In India, biogas plants are widely used in rural areas to convert cow dung into biogas, providing a clean cooking fuel.
- Microbial Fuel Cells (MFCs):
- Electricity Generation: MFCs use bacteria to convert organic matter directly into electricity. These bacteria transfer electrons to an electrode during the breakdown of organic substrates, generating a current.
- Example: Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed MFCs that can treat wastewater while generating electricity.
- Hydrogen Production:
- Biological Hydrogen Production: Certain microorganisms, such as cyanobacteria and green algae, can produce hydrogen gas through photosynthesis and fermentation processes. Hydrogen is a clean fuel that can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity.
- Example: The U.S. Department of Energy is researching the use of cyanobacteria for large-scale hydrogen production.
Conclusion
Microorganisms offer diverse and innovative solutions to address the current fuel shortage. By harnessing their capabilities, we can produce biofuels that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Continued research and development in this field are essential to enhance the efficiency and scalability of these technologies, ensuring a more secure and sustainable energy future.
Mind Map
