A researcher lacked the necessary equipment to measure methane production so ins

Question

A researcher lacked the necessary equipment to measure methane production so instead monitored CO2 concentration as the unknown archaeon grew and produced methane. Why might CO2 NOT decrease but methane still increase?

A. Methanogenic Archaea containing carboxysomes likely made measuring small losses of CO2 difficult to conclude.

B. CO2 was used an electron donor but not as a carbon substrate.

C. CO2 is not a carbon source used by methanogens.

A. Methanogenic Archaea containing carboxysomes likely made measuring small losses of CO2 difficult to conclude.

B. CO2 was used an electron donor but not as a carbon substrate.

C. CO2 is not a carbon source used by methanogens.

Explanation / Answer

Based on the given data,

The methanogens use carbon dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen gas (H2) to generate methane gas (CH4). They are strict anaerobes (anoxygenic), and live with other bacteria that produce substrates they can break down (such as gases: Formate, acetate, and other small molecules).

Hence, CO2 is not a carbon source used by methanogens and the correct option is (C).

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse A
• Subjects

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.