Which of the Following Best Distinguishes Deltaproteobacteria from Epsilonproteobacteria

Question

Which of the following best distinguishes deltaproteobacteria from epsilonproteobacteria?
A) Deltaproteobacteria are most commonly found at anoxic-oxic interfaces while epsilonbacteria are most commonly found in anoxic environements.
B) Many epsilonbacteria oxidize sulfur compounds, which could be produced by a sulfur-reducing deltaproteobacterium.
C) A sulfate-reducing epsilonbacterium produces sulfite, which a deltaproteobacterium reduces further to hydrogen sulfide.
D) An epsilonbacterium reduces sulfur compounds whereas all deltaproteobacteria oxidize sulfur compounds.

Accepted Answer

Many epsilonbacteria are known for their ability to oxidize sulfur compounds, a characteristic that can be linked to the sulfur cycle where sulfur-reducing deltaproteobacteria produce compounds that epsilonbacteria can then utilize. This interconnection highlights a significant ecological relationship between these two groups, distinguishing them based on their roles in sulfur metabolism.