In single cell protein, care has to be taken to remove

Options

A. Excess nucleic acids
B. Fats
C. Heavy metals
D. Both (1) & (3)

Answer

To answer the question regarding what needs to be removed in single cell protein, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Single Cell Protein (SCP)**:
- Single cell protein refers to protein extracted from single-celled organisms such as bacteria, yeast, and algae. SCP is rich in protein and is often used as a dietary supplement.

**Hint**: SCP is derived from microorganisms and is used to supplement protein intake.

2. **Identifying Potential Contaminants**:
- When producing SCP, certain contaminants can affect the quality and safety of the protein. The main concerns are nucleic acids and heavy metals.

**Hint**: Think about what substances might be harmful or undesirable in a protein source.

3. **Nucleic Acids**:
- High levels of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) can be present in SCP. If consumed in large amounts, they can lead to health issues, such as gout, due to the breakdown of purines into uric acid.

**Hint**: Consider the impact of excess nucleic acids on human health.

4. **Heavy Metals**:
- Heavy metals can accumulate in microorganisms, especially if they are grown in contaminated environments. These metals can be toxic to humans if ingested.

**Hint**: Reflect on environmental factors that could introduce toxins into SCP.

5. **Fats**:
- While fats can be present in SCP, they do not pose the same level of risk as nucleic acids and heavy metals. Excess fats may not significantly affect the protein content, as they can simply envelop the protein.

**Hint**: Consider the role of fats in food and how they interact with proteins.

6. **Conclusion**:
- The primary substances that need to be carefully removed from single cell protein are nucleic acids and heavy metals. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is to ensure the removal of these harmful substances.

**Hint**: Focus on the health implications of consuming SCP and the importance of purification.

### Final Answer:
In single cell protein, care has to be taken to remove nucleic acids and heavy metals to ensure safety and quality.