# DBT JRF 2020 — Question 112

Exam: DBT JRF 2020 · Section: B · Topic: Biotechnology · Difficulty: Medium

## Question

The first organic acid to be produced industrially is

## Options

- **A.** gibberellic acid
- **B.** acetic acid
- **C.** lactic acid
- **D.** aspartic acid

## Answer

Option C

## Explanation

Lactic acid (2-hydroxypropanoic acid, $\text{CH}_3\text{CH(OH)COOH}$ ) was first produced industrially by bacterial fermentation in the 1880s, making it the FIRST organic acid to be produced industrially via fermentation. It was produced using Lactobacillus species from lactose (milk) or glucose. Uses: food preservative, acidulant, feedstock for polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastics. Subsequent industrial fermentation acids: Citric acid — from Aspergillus niger (1919, Currie). Acetic acid — from Acetobacter (vinegar), but most industrial acetic acid is now chemical synthesis. Gibberellic acid — from Fusarium moniliforme (plant growth regulator, not a bulk organic acid). Aspartic acid — amino acid, enzymatic production from fumarate.

Source: https://mypyqbuddy.com/questions/the-first-organic-acid-to-be-produced-industrially-6a05a8a02adafec470293288