B2 – Upper Intermediate
As the global demand for protein continues to increase, there is a race to develop technologies to mass produce protein.
Micro Harvest, a company that focuses on biotechnology and microorganisms, was able to turn non-protein substances into protein. They are able to make huge amounts of protein. Their goal is to also be able to produce food that is fit for human consumption in the future.
Read the article about MicroHarvest’s microbial protein production.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “strain” mean in this context, “A recent large-scale production trial confirmed that MicroHarvest’s strain performance and process parameters remain stable at this elevated scale.” Use this word in a sentence. Give another meaning of “strain”.
- What does “to pave the way for someone/something” mean? “This breakthrough paves the way for MicroHarvest’s ambitious plan to construct a facility capable of producing up to 15,000 tons of microbial protein annually by the end of 2026, addressing the increasing global demand for sustainable protein solutions.” Use this phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “stringent” mean? “This technological advantage supports the company’s ability to meet the stringent requirements of commercial-scale production.” Use this word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What was your reaction to and opinion about this special process of producing protein?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of such method of protein production?
- Do you think this protein production process could be adapted in your country? Why or why not?
- Would it be interesting for you to try the meat that was produced through this process? Why or why not?
- Do you like meat? Why or why?
- Do people consume a lot of meat in your country? Talk about it.