Q.1 Which of the following cost components is classified as capital expenditure (CAPEX) in a bioprocess plant?
Utility bills for electricity
Raw material purchase cost
Cost of fermenter installation
Labor wages for operators
Explanation - CAPEX includes one‑time costs for equipment, installation, and construction. The fermenter installation is a capital cost, whereas utilities, raw materials, and labor are operating expenses (OPEX).
Correct answer is: Cost of fermenter installation
Q.2 In a life‑cycle assessment (LCA) of a bio‑ethanol plant, which stage typically contributes the highest greenhouse‑gas emissions?
Fermentation
Feedstock cultivation
Distillation
Product transportation
Explanation - Cultivation of feedstock (e.g., corn or sugarcane) often dominates GHG emissions due to fertilizer use, land‑use change, and energy for agricultural operations.
Correct answer is: Feedstock cultivation
Q.3 What does the term 'process intensification' primarily aim to achieve in bioprocess engineering?
Increase the number of processing steps
Reduce the plant footprint and energy consumption
Raise the cost of raw materials
Extend the product shelf‑life
Explanation - Process intensification seeks to make processes more efficient by minimizing equipment size, energy use, and waste, leading to more sustainable operations.
Correct answer is: Reduce the plant footprint and energy consumption
Q.4 Which economic indicator best reflects the profitability of a bioprocess over its entire life cycle?
Payback period
Net present value (NPV)
Internal rate of return (IRR)
Operating profit margin
Explanation - NPV discounts all future cash flows to present value, providing a comprehensive measure of long‑term profitability, unlike single‑period indicators.
Correct answer is: Net present value (NPV)
Q.5 Which renewable energy source is most commonly integrated with large‑scale bioprocess plants to improve sustainability?
Solar photovoltaic (PV)
Geothermal
Wind turbines
Biomass cogeneration
Explanation - Biomass cogeneration uses residual organic waste from the process to generate heat and electricity, directly linking feedstock use to energy supply.
Correct answer is: Biomass cogeneration
Q.6 In techno‑economic analysis (TEA) of a new enzyme‑based process, which parameter has the greatest impact on the unit production cost?
Enzyme turnover number (kcat)
Enzyme price per kilogram
Reactor temperature
pH of the reaction
Explanation - Enzyme cost is often a major contributor to OPEX in enzyme‑driven processes; improvements in activity (kcat) help but do not offset high enzyme purchase costs.
Correct answer is: Enzyme price per kilogram
Q.7 Which sustainability metric quantifies the amount of waste generated per unit of product in a bioprocess?
E‑factor
Carbon intensity
Energy return on investment (EROI)
Water footprint
Explanation - The E‑factor (mass of waste per mass of product) is a standard measure of material efficiency in chemical and bioprocess industries.
Correct answer is: E‑factor
Q.8 What is the primary advantage of using a continuous stirred‑tank reactor (CSTR) over a batch reactor for large‑scale microbial production?
Higher product purity
Lower capital cost
Steady‑state operation and higher productivity
Simpler downstream processing
Explanation - CSTRs allow continuous feeding and product removal, maintaining steady conditions that can increase overall productivity compared to batch mode.
Correct answer is: Steady‑state operation and higher productivity
Q.9 When assessing the sustainability of a bioprocess, which of the following is NOT a typical component of a triple‑bottom‑line analysis?
Economic viability
Environmental impact
Social responsibility
Patent portfolio size
Explanation - Triple‑bottom‑line (TBL) evaluates economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Patent count is unrelated to sustainability assessment.
Correct answer is: Patent portfolio size
Q.10 In the context of bioprocess scale‑up, what does the term 'geometric similarity' refer to?
Maintaining the same reactor volume
Keeping the same ratio of height to diameter across scales
Using identical raw material concentrations
Having the same power input per unit volume
Explanation - Geometric similarity ensures that the shape of the reactor is preserved during scale‑up, which helps maintain fluid dynamics characteristics.
Correct answer is: Keeping the same ratio of height to diameter across scales
Q.11 Which of the following policy instruments most directly incentivizes the reduction of carbon emissions in bioprocess industries?
Research and development tax credits
Carbon pricing (tax or cap‑and‑trade)
Import tariffs on raw materials
Subsidies for capital equipment
Explanation - Carbon pricing assigns a cost to CO₂ emissions, encouraging firms to adopt low‑carbon technologies and processes.
Correct answer is: Carbon pricing (tax or cap‑and‑trade)
Q.12 A bioprocess plant has a total annual OPEX of $12 M and a CAPEX of $60 M. What is the payback period, assuming no financing costs and constant cash flow?
2 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
Explanation - Payback period = CAPEX / annual OPEX = $60 M / $12 M = 5 years.
Correct answer is: 5 years
Q.13 Which analytical technique is commonly used to determine the energy efficiency of an electrodialysis unit in a bioprocess?
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
Coulombic efficiency calculation
Gas chromatography‑mass spectrometry (GC‑MS)
Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
Explanation - Coulombic efficiency relates the charge transferred to the amount of ions removed, providing a direct measure of energy efficiency in electrodialysis.
Correct answer is: Coulombic efficiency calculation
Q.14 Which factor most significantly influences the scalability of a microbial fermentation process from pilot to commercial scale?
Color of the microorganism
Oxygen transfer rate (OTR)
pH indicator choice
Stirrer blade material
Explanation - OTR determines how well oxygen can be supplied to microbes at larger volumes; inadequate OTR can limit growth and productivity.
Correct answer is: Oxygen transfer rate (OTR)
Q.15 In a bioprocess economic model, which variable would you adjust to evaluate the impact of market price fluctuations on profitability?
Yield of product per gram of substrate
Selling price per kilogram of product
Fermentation temperature
Enzyme half‑life
Explanation - Changing the product selling price directly reflects market price variations and shows their effect on revenue and profit.
Correct answer is: Selling price per kilogram of product
Q.16 Which of the following best describes a 'circular economy' approach in bioprocessing?
Using disposable single‑use equipment only
Recovering and reusing waste streams as feedstock
Maximizing product output without regard to waste
Increasing the number of product variants
Explanation - Circular economy aims to close loops by turning waste into resources, reducing raw material consumption and environmental impact.
Correct answer is: Recovering and reusing waste streams as feedstock
Q.17 Which metric would you use to compare the electricity consumption per unit of product between two bioprocess designs?
Specific energy consumption (kWh/kg)
Carbon footprint (kg CO₂‑eq/kg)
Water usage intensity (L/kg)
Process yield (%)
Explanation - Specific energy consumption quantifies the amount of electricity required to produce one kilogram of product, enabling direct comparison.
Correct answer is: Specific energy consumption (kWh/kg)
Q.18 During a sensitivity analysis of a bioprocess TEA, a parameter shows a high sensitivity index. What does this imply?
The parameter has little effect on the model output
Small changes in the parameter cause large changes in profitability
The parameter value is uncertain
The model is incorrectly set up
Explanation - High sensitivity means the output (e.g., NPV) is strongly affected by variations in that parameter, indicating a key driver.
Correct answer is: Small changes in the parameter cause large changes in profitability
Q.19 What is the main environmental advantage of using lignocellulosic biomass instead of corn starch as a feedstock for bio‑fuel production?
Higher oil content
Lower water usage and reduced competition with food crops
Simpler downstream purification
Higher energy density of the fuel
Explanation - Lignocellulosic biomass uses non‑food parts of plants, reducing pressure on arable land and generally requiring less irrigation.
Correct answer is: Lower water usage and reduced competition with food crops
Q.20 Which type of bioreactor control strategy is most suitable for maintaining a constant substrate concentration in a fed‑batch process?
Open‑loop control
PID control based on substrate sensor feedback
Fixed feed rate schedule
Manual adjustments by operator
Explanation - A PID controller adjusts feed rate in real time based on sensor data, ensuring the substrate concentration stays at the setpoint.
Correct answer is: PID control based on substrate sensor feedback
Q.21 In a bioprocess life‑cycle assessment, which stage is typically excluded from the system boundary when focusing on the manufacturing footprint only?
Raw material extraction
Product use phase
Waste treatment
Energy generation for utilities
Explanation - When assessing manufacturing impacts, the use phase of the product is outside the system boundary and is omitted.
Correct answer is: Product use phase
Q.22 Which of the following best explains the concept of 'energy return on investment' (EROI) in the context of bio‑based production?
Ratio of total energy input to product mass
Ratio of energy content of the product to energy required for its production
Total cost of energy per year
Energy loss due to heat dissipation
Explanation - EROI measures how much usable energy is obtained per unit of energy invested, indicating the overall energy efficiency of the process.
Correct answer is: Ratio of energy content of the product to energy required for its production
Q.23 Which of the following is a common method to reduce the carbon footprint of a downstream purification step?
Increasing the number of chromatography columns
Switching from solvent‑based extraction to aqueous two‑phase systems
Operating at higher temperatures
Using larger membrane pore sizes
Explanation - Aqueous two‑phase systems use water‑based phases, reducing reliance on organic solvents and associated emissions.
Correct answer is: Switching from solvent‑based extraction to aqueous two‑phase systems
Q.24 When performing a Monte‑Carlo simulation for a bioprocess economic model, what is the primary purpose of the simulation?
To find the exact optimal design point
To assess the probability distribution of outcomes given input uncertainties
To reduce the number of required experiments
To linearize the model equations
Explanation - Monte‑Carlo simulation randomly samples input variables to estimate how uncertainties propagate to outputs like NPV.
Correct answer is: To assess the probability distribution of outcomes given input uncertainties
Q.25 Which factor most directly determines the electricity demand of an aerated bioreactor?
Reactor wall thickness
Agitation speed (rpm)
pH of the broth
Color of the culture
Explanation - Higher agitation speeds increase power consumption due to increased motor load, directly affecting electricity demand.
Correct answer is: Agitation speed (rpm)
Q.26 What is the purpose of using a 'heat integration' strategy in a bioprocess plant?
To increase the number of heating utilities
To recover waste heat from one unit for use in another, reducing overall energy consumption
To cool the product faster
To improve microbial strain stability
Explanation - Heat integration captures and reuses thermal energy within the plant, improving energy efficiency and sustainability.
Correct answer is: To recover waste heat from one unit for use in another, reducing overall energy consumption
Q.27 In a bioprocess techno‑economic model, the term "fixed cost" refers to:
Costs that vary with production volume
Costs that remain constant regardless of output level
Costs of raw materials
Costs of energy consumption
Explanation - Fixed costs include expenses like rent, depreciation, and salaries that do not change with the amount produced.
Correct answer is: Costs that remain constant regardless of output level
Q.28 Which of the following is a primary driver for the adoption of single‑use (disposable) bioreactors in modern biopharma manufacturing?
Higher capital cost
Reduced cleaning validation and turnaround time
Lower product purity
Increased energy consumption
Explanation - Single‑use systems eliminate the need for cleaning and sterilization between batches, speeding up production cycles.
Correct answer is: Reduced cleaning validation and turnaround time
Q.29 Which sustainability indicator would you use to evaluate the water consumption of a bioprocess relative to product output?
Water intensity (L/kg product)
Carbon intensity (kg CO₂‑eq/kg)
Energy intensity (kWh/kg)
E‑factor (kg waste/kg product)
Explanation - Water intensity measures the volume of water used per unit of product, directly reflecting water sustainability.
Correct answer is: Water intensity (L/kg product)
Q.30 Which of the following is a typical advantage of using membrane filtration over centrifugation for cell removal in downstream processing?
Higher shear stress on cells
Lower capital cost but higher operating cost
Higher product yield due to less cell damage
Increased energy consumption
Explanation - Membrane filtration is gentler, reducing cell lysis and loss of intracellular product, thereby improving yield.
Correct answer is: Higher product yield due to less cell damage
Q.31 In the context of bioprocess economics, what does the term "break‑even point" refer to?
The time when the plant reaches full capacity
The production volume at which total revenue equals total cost
The moment when the product meets quality standards
The point where OPEX exceeds CAPEX
Explanation - At the break‑even point, the business neither makes a profit nor a loss; it is a key metric for financial feasibility.
Correct answer is: The production volume at which total revenue equals total cost
Q.32 Which of the following best describes the concept of "green chemistry" as applied to bioprocess engineering?
Using only renewable raw materials
Designing processes that minimize hazardous substances and waste
Operating at the highest possible temperature
Maximizing product concentration regardless of waste
Explanation - Green chemistry aims to reduce or eliminate the use and generation of hazardous substances throughout the process.
Correct answer is: Designing processes that minimize hazardous substances and waste
Q.33 Which analytical tool is most appropriate for evaluating the economic viability of multiple bioprocess design alternatives simultaneously?
Pareto front analysis
Root cause analysis
Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA)
Design of experiments (DoE)
Explanation - Pareto front analysis helps identify trade‑offs between competing objectives (e.g., cost vs. sustainability) across alternatives.
Correct answer is: Pareto front analysis
Q.34 When a bioprocess plant installs a combined heat and power (CHP) unit, which sustainability benefit is most directly achieved?
Increased raw material usage
Reduced electricity purchase from the grid
Higher water consumption
Longer production cycles
Explanation - CHP generates both electricity and heat on site, decreasing reliance on external power sources and improving energy efficiency.
Correct answer is: Reduced electricity purchase from the grid
Q.35 What is the typical purpose of performing a "scenario analysis" in bioprocess economic studies?
To determine the exact future market price
To evaluate how different assumptions (e.g., feedstock cost, scale) affect economic outcomes
To calculate the molecular weight of the product
To design the layout of the plant
Explanation - Scenario analysis explores a range of plausible futures, helping decision‑makers understand risk and robustness of the process.
Correct answer is: To evaluate how different assumptions (e.g., feedstock cost, scale) affect economic outcomes
Q.36 In a bioprocess, which factor most directly influences the downstream cost related to chromatography resin usage?
Resin binding capacity
Fermenter agitation speed
pH of the fermentation broth
Ambient temperature
Explanation - Higher binding capacity reduces the amount of resin needed per batch, lowering material cost and waste.
Correct answer is: Resin binding capacity
Q.37 Which metric is commonly used to compare the environmental impact of two different bioprocess routes for producing the same chemical?
Net present value (NPV)
Carbon intensity (kg CO₂‑eq/kg product)
Return on investment (ROI)
Product purity (%)
Explanation - Carbon intensity quantifies the greenhouse‑gas emissions per unit of product, enabling environmental comparison of alternative routes.
Correct answer is: Carbon intensity (kg CO₂‑eq/kg product)
Q.38 Which of the following is a major barrier to implementing large‑scale algal biorefineries for biofuel production?
Abundant freshwater resources
High energy demand for harvesting and drying
Low CO₂ fixation rates
Lack of suitable algae species
Explanation - Harvesting micro‑algae and removing water are energy‑intensive steps, often offsetting the sustainability benefits.
Correct answer is: High energy demand for harvesting and drying
Q.39 In the context of a bioprocess, what does the term "process bottleneck" refer to?
The step with the highest capital cost
The step that limits overall production rate
The most environmentally friendly step
The step with the lowest energy consumption
Explanation - A bottleneck is the slowest or most capacity‑limited unit, dictating the maximum throughput of the whole process.
Correct answer is: The step that limits overall production rate
Q.40 Which of the following is a benefit of using a digital twin for a bioprocess plant?
It eliminates the need for physical sensors
It allows real‑time simulation and optimization of operations
It reduces the need for skilled operators
It guarantees zero equipment downtime
Explanation - A digital twin mirrors the plant in software, enabling predictive analysis, control tuning, and scenario testing without interrupting production.
Correct answer is: It allows real‑time simulation and optimization of operations
Q.41 When assessing the sustainability of a bioprocess, which life‑cycle stage is most affected by the choice of downstream purification technology?
Feedstock cultivation
Fermentation
Product recovery and purification
Product disposal
Explanation - Downstream technology determines energy, solvent, and waste generation in the recovery stage, heavily influencing overall sustainability.
Correct answer is: Product recovery and purification
Q.42 Which of the following best describes "economies of scale" in the context of bioprocess manufacturing?
Higher unit cost as production volume increases
Constant unit cost regardless of production volume
Decreased unit cost as production volume increases
Increased variability in product quality
Explanation - Economies of scale arise because fixed costs are spread over more units, and process efficiencies improve at larger scales.
Correct answer is: Decreased unit cost as production volume increases
Q.43 Which regulatory framework primarily influences the economic assessment of a new biopharmaceutical product in the United States?
REACH
ISO 9001
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval pathway
EU Green Deal
Explanation - FDA approval determines market entry, associated costs, and timelines for biopharmaceuticals in the US market.
Correct answer is: Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval pathway
Q.44 What is the main purpose of conducting a "heat‑exchanger network synthesis" in a bioprocess plant design?
To increase the number of heat exchangers
To optimize the arrangement of heat exchangers for maximum energy recovery
To design the reactor geometry
To calculate the product yield
Explanation - Heat‑exchanger network synthesis identifies the most efficient way to exchange heat between process streams, reducing external heating/cooling demand.
Correct answer is: To optimize the arrangement of heat exchangers for maximum energy recovery
Q.45 In a cost‑of‑ownership analysis for a bioprocess plant, which cost is typically amortized over the plant’s useful life?
Raw material cost
Labor cost
Capital equipment cost
Utility cost
Explanation - Capital equipment cost is spread (amortized) over the expected operational lifespan to reflect its contribution to annual expenses.
Correct answer is: Capital equipment cost
Q.46 Which of the following best characterizes the impact of increasing the fermentation temperature on microbial product yield, assuming the organism is mesophilic?
Yield will always increase
Yield will always decrease
Yield may decline due to stress if temperature exceeds optimal range
Yield is independent of temperature
Explanation - Mesophilic microbes have a narrow optimal temperature range; exceeding it can reduce metabolic activity and product formation.
Correct answer is: Yield may decline due to stress if temperature exceeds optimal range
Q.47 Which metric is commonly used to evaluate the financial risk of a bioprocess investment under uncertain market conditions?
Discounted cash flow (DCF)
Standard deviation of NPV from Monte‑Carlo simulation
Yield percentage
Enzyme activity
Explanation - The spread (standard deviation) of NPV results from stochastic simulations quantifies financial risk due to uncertainty.
Correct answer is: Standard deviation of NPV from Monte‑Carlo simulation
Q.48 In a bioprocess, the term "specific productivity" (qP) is defined as:
Product concentration per liter of broth
Product formed per cell mass per time
Energy consumption per kilogram of product
Number of cells per milliliter
Explanation - Specific productivity (qP) expresses the rate of product formation per unit of biomass, a key performance indicator for microbial processes.
Correct answer is: Product formed per cell mass per time
Q.49 Which of the following is an example of a "green” feedstock for bioprocesses?
Petroleum‑derived glucose
Lignocellulosic waste from agriculture
Synthetic amino acids
Metallic catalysts
Explanation - Agricultural residues are renewable, low‑impact feedstocks that reduce reliance on fossil‑derived materials.
Correct answer is: Lignocellulosic waste from agriculture
Q.50 When evaluating the sustainability of a bioprocess, which of the following is a key advantage of using a closed‑loop water system?
Higher water consumption
Reduced water withdrawal and discharge
Increased need for fresh water
Lower product quality
Explanation - Closed‑loop systems recycle process water, minimizing fresh water use and wastewater generation, enhancing water sustainability.
Correct answer is: Reduced water withdrawal and discharge
Q.51 Which of the following best describes the role of a "process safety index" (PSI) in bioprocess economics?
It directly calculates profit margin
It quantifies the potential financial impact of safety incidents
It measures the color intensity of the broth
It determines the market price of the product
Explanation - PSI combines likelihood and severity of accidents into a monetary estimate, influencing risk‑adjusted economic assessments.
Correct answer is: It quantifies the potential financial impact of safety incidents
Q.52 A bioprocess plant wants to achieve a 20 % reduction in CO₂ emissions. Which strategy would most likely provide the greatest impact?
Switch to higher‑purity reagents
Implement waste heat recovery and replace grid electricity with on‑site renewable generation
Increase the number of batch cycles per year
Use larger reactors without changing energy sources
Explanation - Recovering waste heat and using renewables cuts both direct and indirect emissions, delivering the largest CO₂ reduction.
Correct answer is: Implement waste heat recovery and replace grid electricity with on‑site renewable generation
Q.53 Which of the following is a typical outcome of performing a "value stream mapping" (VSM) in a bioprocess facility?
Identification of non‑value‑adding steps and opportunities for process simplification
Calculation of the exact NPV
Determination of the microbial genome sequence
Design of a new reactor geometry
Explanation - VSM visualizes the flow of materials and information, highlighting waste and bottlenecks for improvement.
Correct answer is: Identification of non‑value‑adding steps and opportunities for process simplification
Q.54 In the context of bioprocess sustainability, the term "carbon capture and utilization" (CCU) refers to:
Storing CO₂ underground permanently
Converting captured CO₂ into valuable chemicals or fuels within the process
Burning CO₂ to generate heat
Releasing captured CO₂ back into the atmosphere
Explanation - CCU captures CO₂ emissions and uses them as feedstock for producing value‑added products, reducing net emissions.
Correct answer is: Converting captured CO₂ into valuable chemicals or fuels within the process
Q.55 Which factor most strongly influences the selection of an appropriate scale‑down model for a bioprocess pilot study?
Exact replication of the full‑scale geometry
Preservation of key dimensionless numbers (e.g., Reynolds, Damköhler)
Using the same brand of equipment
Matching the color of the bioreactor
Explanation - Maintaining similarity in dimensionless numbers ensures that fluid dynamics and reaction kinetics are comparable between scales.
Correct answer is: Preservation of key dimensionless numbers (e.g., Reynolds, Damköhler)
Q.56 When a bioprocess uses a "cascade biorefinery" concept, what is the primary benefit?
Only a single product is obtained
Multiple products are generated sequentially from the same feedstock, improving overall resource efficiency
The process requires no downstream purification
It eliminates the need for any energy input
Explanation - Cascade biorefineries maximize value by extracting several products (e.g., sugars, lignin, bio‑oil) from one biomass feedstock.
Correct answer is: Multiple products are generated sequentially from the same feedstock, improving overall resource efficiency
Q.57 Which of the following best defines "process resilience" in a biomanufacturing context?
The ability to produce at maximum speed at all times
The capacity to maintain operation despite disturbances, equipment failures, or raw material variability
The lowest possible capital cost
The highest possible product purity
Explanation - Resilience reflects robustness and flexibility, essential for continuous operation and economic stability.
Correct answer is: The capacity to maintain operation despite disturbances, equipment failures, or raw material variability
Q.58 A life‑cycle assessment (LCA) of a bioplastic shows a high impact in the "end‑of‑life" stage due to landfill disposal. Which strategy would most effectively lower the overall LCA impact?
Increase the polymer’s molecular weight
Develop a recycling or composting pathway for the bioplastic
Use more expensive raw materials
Increase production speed
Explanation - Providing a sustainable disposal route reduces landfill emissions and improves the end‑of‑life profile.
Correct answer is: Develop a recycling or composting pathway for the bioplastic
Q.59 Which of the following is a key determinant for the selection of a high‑density fermentation strategy?
Availability of cheap electricity
Desire for reduced reactor volume and higher product concentration per batch
Requirement for low product purity
Need for long fermentation times
Explanation - High‑density fermentations aim to increase cell concentration, enabling smaller reactors and higher titers, lowering downstream costs.
Correct answer is: Desire for reduced reactor volume and higher product concentration per batch
Q.60 In evaluating a bioprocess for market entry, which factor is most important for determining the product's competitive advantage?
The color of the fermentation broth
The product’s cost per unit relative to existing alternatives
The number of employees in the plant
The brand logo of the company
Explanation - Competitive pricing drives market adoption; economic viability relative to substitutes is crucial.
Correct answer is: The product’s cost per unit relative to existing alternatives
Q.61 Which of the following is a direct environmental benefit of employing a membrane‑based cell‑retention system (e.g., perfusion) compared to batch culture?
Higher water consumption
Reduced waste generation and higher product titer per unit time
Increased need for sterilization chemicals
Longer overall process time
Explanation - Cell‑retention allows continuous product removal while retaining cells, decreasing batch waste and increasing productivity.
Correct answer is: Reduced waste generation and higher product titer per unit time
Q.62 Which of the following is the most appropriate method for quantifying uncertainty in the estimation of a bioprocess’s carbon footprint?
Deterministic single‑point calculation
Monte‑Carlo simulation with probabilistic inputs
Using the average of two measurements
Applying a linear regression model
Explanation - Monte‑Carlo methods propagate input uncertainties through the model to generate a distribution of carbon‑footprint outcomes.
Correct answer is: Monte‑Carlo simulation with probabilistic inputs
Q.63 When a bioprocess integrates a renewable electricity source (e.g., solar PV), which economic metric is most affected in the short term?
Operating profit margin
Capital expenditure (CAPEX)
Net present value (NPV) due to increased upfront investment
Product yield
Explanation - Renewable installations raise initial CAPEX, influencing NPV calculations especially in early years.
Correct answer is: Net present value (NPV) due to increased upfront investment
Q.64 In a bioprocess, what is the primary purpose of implementing a “lean manufacturing” approach?
To increase the number of workers on the floor
To eliminate waste, improve flow, and reduce costs
To maximize the use of hazardous chemicals
To extend the product’s shelf life
Explanation - Lean principles focus on removing non‑value‑added activities, enhancing efficiency, and lowering expenses.
Correct answer is: To eliminate waste, improve flow, and reduce costs
Q.65 Which of the following statements about the relationship between process scale and environmental impact is generally true?
Larger scale always leads to higher environmental impact per unit product
Larger scale can reduce per‑unit impact due to better energy and material efficiencies
Scale does not affect environmental impact
Small scale always has lower emissions
Explanation - Scale‑up often improves resource utilization, decreasing the environmental footprint per kilogram of product.
Correct answer is: Larger scale can reduce per‑unit impact due to better energy and material efficiencies
Q.66 Which of the following is an example of a "green metric" used to assess the sustainability of a bioprocess?
Specific growth rate (h⁻¹)
E‑factor (kg waste/kg product)
Viscosity of the broth (cP)
Reactor diameter (m)
Explanation - The E‑factor quantifies waste generation relative to product, serving as a key sustainability metric.
Correct answer is: E‑factor (kg waste/kg product)
Q.67 When calculating the total cost of ownership (TCO) for a bioprocess plant, which cost category is typically the largest over the plant’s lifetime?
Capital equipment purchase
Raw material and consumables
Labor costs
Insurance premiums
Explanation - For most bioprocesses, ongoing material costs dominate the total expense over many years of operation.
Correct answer is: Raw material and consumables
Q.68 In a bioprocess TEA, a high "internal rate of return" (IRR) indicates:
The process is not profitable
The project's cash flows recover the initial investment quickly
The process has high environmental impact
The product quality is low
Explanation - A higher IRR means the discounted cash flows exceed the initial outlay at a faster rate, indicating strong financial performance.
Correct answer is: The project's cash flows recover the initial investment quickly
Q.69 Which of the following strategies is most effective for reducing the carbon intensity of a microbial fermentation process?
Increasing the agitation speed
Switching to a high‑efficiency air compressor and using renewable electricity
Using a higher concentration of glucose
Operating at higher temperatures
Explanation - Efficient compressors lower electricity demand, and renewable power reduces the carbon content of that electricity.
Correct answer is: Switching to a high‑efficiency air compressor and using renewable electricity
Q.70 What does the term "bioprocess intensification" NOT aim to achieve?
Reduced reactor volume
Lower energy consumption
Higher waste generation
Improved product yield
Explanation - Process intensification seeks to minimize waste, not increase it, while also reducing size, energy, and improving yields.
Correct answer is: Higher waste generation
Q.71 Which of the following is a major challenge when integrating electro‑bioreactors for electrosynthesis into existing bioprocess lines?
Finding a suitable color for the reactor
Managing electrode fouling and ensuring uniform current distribution
Increasing the size of the facility
Eliminating the need for microbial strains
Explanation - Electro‑bioreactors must maintain clean electrodes and even current to achieve consistent product formation.
Correct answer is: Managing electrode fouling and ensuring uniform current distribution
Q.72 When performing a market analysis for a novel bio‑based chemical, which factor most directly influences the projected revenue stream?
The reactor’s material of construction
Projected market price per kilogram and expected demand volume
The color of the final product
The number of patents held by the company
Explanation - Revenue = price × quantity sold; both variables are essential for forecasting income.
Correct answer is: Projected market price per kilogram and expected demand volume
Q.73 Which of the following best describes a "circular bio‑economy"?
Linear use of biomass from farm to landfill
Closed‑loop system where biomass waste is valorized into new products, reducing resource extraction
Exclusive reliance on fossil fuels
Increasing the size of bioprocess plants
Explanation - Circular bio‑economy emphasizes recycling, reuse, and valorization of bio‑based resources.
Correct answer is: Closed‑loop system where biomass waste is valorized into new products, reducing resource extraction
Q.74 In a cost model, why is it important to include a "contingency factor"?
To account for unforeseen expenses and risk, ensuring the budget is realistic
To increase the profit margin artificially
To reduce the capital cost
To lower product yield
Explanation - Contingency adds a buffer for unexpected costs, improving financial planning reliability.
Correct answer is: To account for unforeseen expenses and risk, ensuring the budget is realistic
Q.75 Which of the following is a typical indicator of process robustness in a biomanufacturing operation?
Consistently high product yield across multiple batches despite variations in raw material quality
High variability in product quality
Frequent shutdowns for maintenance
Long start‑up times for each batch
Explanation - Robust processes maintain performance under fluctuating conditions, ensuring reliability and profitability.
Correct answer is: Consistently high product yield across multiple batches despite variations in raw material quality
Q.76 Which analytical technique is most suitable for measuring the concentration of dissolved oxygen in a large‑scale bioreactor?
Mass spectrometry
Clark-type polarographic electrode
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
X‑ray diffraction
Explanation - Clark electrodes provide real‑time, accurate dissolved oxygen measurements in aqueous systems.
Correct answer is: Clark-type polarographic electrode
Q.77 When calculating the carbon footprint of a bioprocess, which of the following emissions sources is often overlooked but can be significant?
Direct CO₂ released during fermentation
Embedded emissions from the production of construction steel for the facility
Emissions from product packaging
Emissions from laboratory glassware
Explanation - Embodied emissions from infrastructure construction can contribute substantially to the overall carbon footprint, especially for new plants.
Correct answer is: Embedded emissions from the production of construction steel for the facility
Q.78 Which of the following process intensification technologies can directly reduce water usage in downstream purification?
High‑pressure homogenization
Counter‑current chromatography
Membrane‑based diafiltration with water‑recycling loops
Batch centrifugation
Explanation - Diafiltration recycles wash water, significantly lowering net water consumption compared to batch washes.
Correct answer is: Membrane‑based diafiltration with water‑recycling loops
Q.79 In a bioprocess economic assessment, why is the discount rate a critical parameter?
It determines the molecular weight of the product
It influences the present value of future cash flows, affecting NPV and investment decisions
It controls the temperature of the reactor
It sets the pH of the fermentation broth
Explanation - The discount rate reflects the time value of money; higher rates reduce the present value of future earnings.
Correct answer is: It influences the present value of future cash flows, affecting NPV and investment decisions
Q.80 Which of the following best explains why a higher substrate concentration can lead to substrate inhibition in microbial fermentations?
It always improves cell growth
Excess substrate can interfere with enzyme activity and transport mechanisms, reducing metabolic rates
It lowers the temperature of the broth
It increases the pH to alkaline levels
Explanation - At high concentrations, substrates can bind to enzymes or transport proteins in a non‑productive way, inhibiting metabolism.
Correct answer is: Excess substrate can interfere with enzyme activity and transport mechanisms, reducing metabolic rates
Q.81 Which of the following statements about the relationship between product purity and downstream cost is generally true?
Higher purity always reduces downstream cost
Higher purity often requires additional purification steps, increasing downstream cost
Purity does not affect cost
Lower purity always improves product market value
Explanation - Achieving high purity typically involves extra unit operations (e.g., polishing chromatography), raising expenses.
Correct answer is: Higher purity often requires additional purification steps, increasing downstream cost
Q.82 Which of the following is a key advantage of using a "bio‑catalytic" step instead of a traditional chemical catalyst in a bioprocess?
Higher operating temperatures required
Reduced specificity for target reactions
Milder reaction conditions, lower energy use, and higher selectivity
Increased need for hazardous solvents
Explanation - Biocatalysts operate under gentle conditions, often at ambient temperature and pressure, improving sustainability.
Correct answer is: Milder reaction conditions, lower energy use, and higher selectivity
Q.83 In a techno‑economic model, the "learning curve" effect is used to represent:
The increase in product quality over time
The reduction in unit cost as cumulative production volume grows due to improved efficiencies
The degradation of equipment over time
The rise in raw material prices
Explanation - Learning curves capture cost reductions from experience, automation, and scale as production accumulates.
Correct answer is: The reduction in unit cost as cumulative production volume grows due to improved efficiencies
Q.84 Which sustainability principle is directly addressed by implementing a waste‑to‑energy system in a bioprocess facility?
Reduce, reuse, recycle
Zero waste
Energy recovery and circularity
Carbon neutrality
Explanation - Converting waste streams into usable energy recovers value from waste and reduces external energy demand.
Correct answer is: Energy recovery and circularity
Q.85 When performing a life‑cycle cost analysis, which of the following costs is typically excluded from the operational phase?
Labor wages
Equipment depreciation
Raw material purchase
Plant decommissioning and site remediation
Explanation - Decommissioning costs are allocated to the end‑of‑life phase, not the regular operational cost calculations.
Correct answer is: Plant decommissioning and site remediation
Q.86 Which of the following is a typical benefit of using a "process analytical technology" (PAT) tool in a bioprocess?
Eliminates the need for any quality control
Provides real‑time data for better process control and reduced batch failures
Increases the number of required manual sampling points
Reduces the overall product yield
Explanation - PAT enables monitoring and control of critical parameters, improving consistency and reducing waste.
Correct answer is: Provides real‑time data for better process control and reduced batch failures
Q.87 Which of the following best describes the impact of increasing the fermentation pH from 5.5 to 7.0 for a yeast producing ethanol?
No impact on yeast metabolism
Potentially lower ethanol yield due to sub‑optimal enzyme activity
Higher ethanol yield because of better yeast growth
Complete inhibition of yeast growth
Explanation - Yeast generally prefers slightly acidic pH; moving toward neutral can reduce enzyme efficiency and product formation.
Correct answer is: Potentially lower ethanol yield due to sub‑optimal enzyme activity
Q.88 A bioprocess engineer is evaluating two downstream purification options: (1) a high‑capacity chromatography column with high solvent use, and (2) a membrane‑based process with lower solvent consumption. Which option is generally more favorable from a sustainability perspective?
Option 1, because higher capacity always means lower environmental impact
Option 2, because it reduces solvent consumption and waste generation
Both options are equally sustainable
Option 1, because chromatography is more reliable
Explanation - Membrane processes typically use less solvent, generating less hazardous waste, which aligns with sustainability goals.
Correct answer is: Option 2, because it reduces solvent consumption and waste generation
Q.89 Which of the following is a primary reason for conducting a "gap analysis" during bioprocess development?
To calculate the exact product price
To identify differences between current process performance and target specifications
To design a new reactor geometry
To assess employee satisfaction
Explanation - Gap analysis highlights performance shortfalls, guiding improvements needed to meet commercial or regulatory goals.
Correct answer is: To identify differences between current process performance and target specifications
Q.90 When evaluating the economic feasibility of a new bio‑based polymer, which factor would most directly affect the "break‑even volume"?
The molecular weight of the polymer
The fixed costs such as plant construction
The color of the final product
The number of employees
Explanation - Higher fixed costs raise the production volume required to cover expenses, thus increasing the break‑even point.
Correct answer is: The fixed costs such as plant construction
Q.91 Which of the following is a key advantage of using a modular bioprocessing platform?
Longer construction times
Higher upfront CAPEX
Flexibility to reconfigure for different products and faster time‑to‑market
Reduced ability to scale up
Explanation - Modular platforms enable quick re‑tooling and expansion, supporting diverse product pipelines with lower lead times.
Correct answer is: Flexibility to reconfigure for different products and faster time‑to‑market