Question

In the 20th century, scientists harnessed the natural metabolic reactions of bacteria to make ________ for the first time in an industrial setting.______

A) acetone B) wine C) soy sauce D) cheese E) alcohol

Answer 1

Scientists used the metabolic reactions of bacteria to industrially produce acetone in the 20th century. This represents a significant development in biotechnology, as acetone production via bacterial fermentation extends the commercial use of microbes beyond food production.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the 20th century, scientists harnessed the natural metabolic reactions of bacteria to make acetone for the first time in an industrial setting. While wine, cheese, and other food products like beer and yogurt have been produced through fermentation long before the term biotechnology was coined, acetone production represents a significant step into the commercial exploitation of microbial metabolic processes beyond the traditional food industry.

Several fermentation products are crucial commercially, particularly in industries outside of food. Notably, chemical solvents like acetone and butanol are produced during acetone-butanol-ethanol fermentation, a clear example of the industrial application of prokaryotic metabolism.