Solutions for Chapter 1
The American Society for Microbiology is preparing a “Microbe-Free” banquet to emphasize the importance of microorganisms in the diet. What foods could not be on the menu?
Nothing would be available to eat. Microorganisms are needed for crop production, so vegetables or fruits would not be available to eat. Cattle, chickens, pigs and other animals need microorganisms to assist with the digestion of food. They would be undernourished and not provide quality meat or products adequate for human consumption. Do not look for fish or any other lake or ocean products because these ecosystems are needed for their survival. Milk and alcoholic beverages would be off the menu. Any beverage prepared with water would be unsafe to consume. Water is cleaned and treated to be disease-free with microorganisms.