Microbes Using Nitrogen as a Terminal Electron Acceptor Would Be

Question

Microbes using nitrogen as a terminal electron acceptor would be performing
A) nitrogen fixation.
B) ammonification.
C) nitrification.
D) denitrification.
E) anammox.

Accepted Answer

Microbes using nitrogen as a terminal electron acceptor are performing denitrification. During denitrification, bacteria and archaea use nitrate (NO3-) or nitrite (NO2-) as a terminal electron acceptor during respiration, converting it into nitrogen gas (N2) or nitrous oxide (N2O). This process is important in the nitrogen cycle, as it helps to return fixed nitrogen to the atmosphere where it can be reused.