Question

Bacteria growing anaerobically on cellulosic material produce large amounts of which gases? Select the correct option.

• A. ( \text{CH}_3, \text{CO}_2, \text{H}_2 )
• B. ( \text{H}_2, \text{NH}_3, \text{CH}_4 )
• C. ( \text{H}_2\text{O}, \text{Cl}_2, \text{H}_2\text{S} )
• D. ( \text{CO}_2, \text{CH}_4, \text{H}_2 )

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Anaerobic bacteria that decompose cellulosic material (like plant matter) in environments lacking oxygen carry out anaerobic digestion or fermentation. This process typically results in the production of several gases, including carbon dioxide (CO(_2)), methane (CH(_4)), and hydrogen (H(_2)). These gases are the primary components of biogas produced from the anaerobic breakdown of organic matter. Option includes CH(_3) (methyl radical), which is not a stable end product of this process. Option includes NH(_3) (ammonia), which is produced during the breakdown of nitrogen-containing compounds, not primarily from cellulose. Option includes H(_2)O (water), Cl(_2) (chlorine gas, which is not biologically produced in this context), and H(_2)S (hydrogen sulfide), which can be produced under certain anaerobic conditions, but CO(_2) and CH(_4) are more significant products of cellulose breakdown. Option correctly lists the major gaseous products of anaerobic digestion of cellulosic material.