Question

10. A student isolates an unknown bacterial sample from the bottom of a swamp area. The student discovers that this species of bacteria is able to live and grow in an oxygen-free environment, but it requires a nitrate-rich soil.

Which of the following respiration pathways is this species of bacteria most likely using?

A. anaerobic respiration
B. ethyl alcohol fermentation
C. aerobic respiration
D. lactic acid fermentation

Answer 1

A. anaerobic respiration

Step-by-step explanation:

If a species of bacteria is able to live and grow in an oxygen-free environment but requires a nitrate-rich soil, it must be using an anaerobic pathway of respiration. Anaerobic respiration is a pathway that is very similar to aerobic respiration; it oxidizes all of the starting organic molecules into carbon dioxide and energy. Anaerobic respiration, however, uses an inorganic substance like nitrate or sulfate as the final electron acceptor instead of oxygen, allowing bacteria that use this pathway to survive in areas lacking O2.

Answer 2

A. anaerobic respiration pathway is the species of bacteria most likely used