Question:

Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus carry out the following
 

Show Hint

Remember: Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus help in denitrification — converting nitrates to nitrogen gas, completing the nitrogen cycle.
Updated On: May 20, 2025
  • Putrification
  • Ammonification
  • Nitrification
  • Denitrification
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is D

Approach Solution - 1

Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus are bacteria involved in the process of denitrification, which is a part of the nitrogen cycle.
In denitrification, these microbes convert nitrates (NO$_3^-$) or nitrites (NO$_2^-$) into gaseous nitrogen (N$_2$) or nitrous oxide (N$_2$O), which are then released into the atmosphere. This process occurs under anaerobic conditions and helps close the nitrogen cycle by returning nitrogen back to the atmosphere.
Other processes in the nitrogen cycle involve different organisms:
- Ammonification: Carried out by decomposers (bacteria and fungi).
- Nitrification: Performed by bacteria like Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter.
- Putrification: Refers to decomposition, usually associated with foul-smelling products.
Therefore, Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus are correctly associated with denitrification.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0
Hide Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

Approach Solution -2

Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus carry out the following:

Both Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus are important bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle, which is a crucial biogeochemical cycle responsible for converting nitrogen into various chemical forms that are usable by living organisms.

Pseudomonas species are known for their ability to perform denitrification, a process in which nitrate ions (NO₃⁻) are reduced to produce nitrogen gas (N₂) or nitrous oxide (N₂O), thereby returning nitrogen to the atmosphere. This process typically occurs under anaerobic or low-oxygen conditions, and it helps regulate nitrogen levels in the soil and water, preventing the accumulation of excess nitrates that can lead to environmental problems such as eutrophication.

Similarly, Thiobacillus species, which are chemoautotrophic bacteria, also participate in nitrogen transformations including denitrification. Besides their well-known role in oxidizing sulfur compounds, some species of Thiobacillus contribute to denitrification, thus playing a dual role in both sulfur and nitrogen cycles.

Denitrification is an essential process because it closes the nitrogen cycle by releasing nitrogen gas back into the atmosphere, making nitrogen unavailable to plants until it is fixed again by nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This balance is vital for maintaining ecosystem health and fertility.

Hence, the correct process carried out by both Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus is denitrification.

Correct Answer: Denitrification
Was this answer helpful?
0
0