Question

C_xH_mO_n + aO₂ + bNH₃ à cCH_1.67O_0.67N_0.2 + dH₂O + eCO₂

The organism in question is able to convert 70% (by mass) of the provided carbon source into biomass.

1.) For the growth substrate (i.e., C_xH_mO_n), the subscripts have the following values: x = 3, m = 8, n = 3. What compound is this? Feel free to ask Dr. Google.

2.) Note that the organism can convert 70% (w/w) of the provided carbon source to biomass. The rest will go to CO₂. The atomic mass of carbon is 12 g/mol. How many grams of carbon, therefore, would be converted into biomass and CO₂? Show all work.

3.) Based on the example we examined in class, calculate the stoichiometric coefficient “c” in Eq. 1.2, which will tell us how many moles of biomass are produced per mole of carbon source.

4.) Again, based on the example we examined in class, calculate the stoichiometric coefficient “e” in Eq. 1.2, which will tell us how many moles of CO₂ are produced per mole of carbon source.

5.) Solve the nitrogen balance for Eq. 1.2 and calculate the coefficient “b.”

6.) Solve the hydrogen balance for Eq. 1.2 and calculate the coefficient “d.”

7.) Solve the oxygen balance for Eq. 1.2 and calculate the coefficient “a.”

8.) For this organism under these conditions, what is the numerical value of the respiratory quotient (RQ)?

9.) Based on your answers, write out the entire biochemical equation (eq. 1.2) with your calculated coefficients in place of “a,” “b,” “c,” “d,” and “e.”

Answer 1

Sol. 1

The compound having structural formula C_{​​​​​​3} H_{​​​​​​8} O_{​​​​​​3} is glycerol.

Sol. 2