GCSE Biology unit 3
Mycoprotein
Which pairs of pictures go together and why? What is
the connection between all 4 pictures?
Fusarium venenatum is a type of fungus with a
high protein content. It is used to produce a food
source – mycoprotein – also known as Quorn.
Fusarium sporotrichoides is a type of fungal
pathogen which was used to produce a
biological weapon. The Soviets were accused of
using this weapon, dubbed “yellow rain”, to
cause over 6,000 deaths in Laos, Kampuchea,
and Afghanistan between 1975 and 1981.
What’s in a name?
Recap of Scientific Classification
K
P
C
O
F
G
S
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Fungi
Ascomycota
Sordariomycetes
Hypocreales
Nectriaceae
Fusarium
F. venenetum
F. sporotrichoides
Food source!
Biological weapon!
You only need to know about
Fusarium venenatum and its role in
producing mycoprotein!
Research activity
1) What is mycoprotein?
2) What are the health benefits of eating mycoprotein?
3) What other benefits of mycoprotein are there?
4) How is mycoprotein produced?
Nutrients such as
potassium and magnesium
are added
___
Aerobic
conditions
Temperature, pH, nutrient
and O2 levels are
continuously monitored
The fermenter is
sterilised and filled
with a water and
glucose solution.
Then a batch of the
fungi Fusarium is
introduced
The fungi and the nutrients
combine to form
mycoprotein solids which are
removed continuously from
the fermenter
Watch the 1st three minutes of this One Show clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYGrymywG5c
Using the data above, explain why Quorn
could be described as a healthier alternative
to meat.