Question

32) Reductive dechlorination is important in the breakdown of chlorinated xenobiotics because

A) anoxic conditions develop rapidly in polluted habitats.
B) oxygen is not present in most soils.
C) aerobic breakdown of xenobiotics is not possible.
D) only cometabolism occurs aerobically.

Answer 1

Reductive dechlorination is important in the breakdown of chlorinated xenobiotics because it can occur in anoxic environments where oxygen is not present. The process removes chlorine atoms and transforms the xenobiotics into less toxic compounds.

Step-by-step explanation:

Reductive dechlorination is important in the breakdown of chlorinated xenobiotics because it can occur in anoxic environments where oxygen is not present. Xenobiotics are synthetic compounds that are introduced into the environment in high concentrations. Many xenobiotics are resistant to breakdown, but reductive dechlorination can help break them down by removing chlorine atoms and transforming them into less toxic compounds.