Superbugs

Synopsis

Microbes such as bacteria and fungi can adapt to extreme environments. They can tolerate, even flourish, in extreme cold, in high salinity or under hot acidic conditions. This film looks at some of the special qualities of such organisms. A group of bacteria has recently been discovered growing in a wide range of habitats. These archaebacteria have features that distinguish them not only from plant and animal cells but also from other bacteria. They have unique enzymes and nucleic acids that underlie an interesting biochemistry. With the emphasis on biotechnology and the search for new applications of microbes in industry, the archaebacteria are seen to provide a rich source of possibilities. Looks at how these bacteria are already being used to treat biologically liquid waste left over from food processing.

Series

Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Course S325

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Video; Videocassette. Standard formats. col. 24 min.

Year of production

1986

Availability

OUT OF DISTRIBUTION

Subjects

Biology

Keywords

biochemistry; cell biology; cells; micro-organisms

Credits

Producer

Aileen Llewellyn

Cast

Barry Paine

Production Company

Name

BBC Open University Productions

Distributor

Name

Open University Worldwide

Web

http://www.ouw.co.uk External site opens in new window

Phone

+44 (0) 1908 274066

Address

Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA

Notes

NB. As of May 2016 Open University Worldwide are no longer distributing DVDs. They have posted this message on their website: ‘Unfortunately Open University Worldwide Limited has decided that product sales are no longer viable given the reduced funding to Higher Education institutions and diminishing demand for the products we have traditionally stocked. At present the Open University Students Association (OUSA) will continue to sell the "Good Study Guide", and we are in discussion with other possible distributors to continue to make The Open University’s products available for purchase. As soon as we have any information on other channels of distribution we will update this notice’. Some products are still available via second hand dealers on Amazon.co.uk