The Question is from neet-zoology microbes-in-human-welfare , and it was created by the author A SUBRAMANYAM

Question

Which specific group of bacteria plays a critical role in the production of biogas, particularly methane, by carrying out methanogenesis in anaerobic digesters within household biogas plants?

A SUBRAMANYAM · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Microbial Ecology and Anaerobic Digestion
	**Related Topics**: Biogas production, Methanogenesis, Anaerobic bacteria, Waste treatment
	**Prerequisites**: Basic understanding of microbiology and chemical processes.
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	The question asks about the bacteria responsible for methane production in anaerobic digesters.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. **Understanding Anaerobic Digestion**: Anaerobic digestion is a process where microorganisms break down organic matter in the absence of oxygen.
		Reasoning: Biogas production relies on this anaerobic process.
	2. **Methanogenesis**: The final stage of anaerobic digestion is methanogenesis, where methane is produced.
		Working: Specific bacteria carry out this crucial step.
		Key Point:  Methanogens are the key players in methanogenesis.
	3. **Identifying the Bacteria**: Methanogens are a group of archaea that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct.
		Result: Methanogens are the primary methane producers in biogas plants.
		Verification: This is a well-established fact in microbiology and biogas technology.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] ✓: Methanogens are the correct answer.  They are specifically responsible for the final stage of anaerobic digestion, converting substances like acetate, formate, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen into methane.
[B] :x: Acidogens are involved in the earlier stages of anaerobic digestion, breaking down complex organic molecules into simpler organic acids. They do not produce methane.
[C] :x: Acetogens convert these simpler organic acids produced by acidogens into acetate, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide, which are then used by methanogens. While essential to the process, they are not the direct methane producers.
[D] :x: Hydrolytic bacteria initiate the anaerobic digestion process by breaking down complex organic matter (like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) into simpler molecules. They are crucial for the initial steps but do not produce methane.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Confusing the roles of different bacterial groups in anaerobic digestion: Understanding the specific role of each group (hydrolytic, acidogenic, acetogenic, and methanogenic) is crucial.
		2.  Overlooking the specific role of methanogens: Remember that only methanogens produce methane.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. 'Methano-' in 'Methanogens' directly relates to methane production.
		2.  Visualize the anaerobic digestion process as a chain, with methanogens at the end producing the final product, methane.

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

The correct Option is "Methanogens"

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

Acidogens

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

Acetogens

A SUBRAMANYAM · Answer

Hydrolytic bacteria

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