Final answer:
In anaerobic respiration, bacteria can use inorganic molecules as final electron acceptors, which include D) both nitrate and sulfate, to produce ATP in the absence of oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
The final electron acceptor in anaerobic respiration in bacteria can be an inorganic molecule other than oxygen. This process allows the bacteria to produce ATP without the presence of oxygen. Notably, soil bacteria known as denitrifiers use nitrate (NO3ˍ) as their final electron acceptor, releasing nitrogen gas (N2). Furthermore, sulfate-reducing bacteria can use sulfate (SO4⁶ˍ) as a final electron acceptor. Unlike anaerobic respiration, fermentation uses an organic molecule as the final electron acceptor and occurs when the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and electron transport chain (ETC) are not utilized. Based on the options provided and considering the mechanisms of anaerobic respiration, the correct answer is that the final electron acceptor can be both nitrate and sulfate.