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Question #46424
The Question
A microbiologist isolates a specific group of Archaebacteria from a deep-sea hydrothermal vent and notes that identical metabolic counterparts are actively utilized in the biological treatment of sewage. Which of the following statements regarding these microbes is INCORRECT?
Options
- A.
Their extreme thermophilic and barophilic tolerance is primarily attributed to the presence of branched-chain lipids in their cell membranes.
- B.
During sewage treatment, they actively proliferate in the aeration tank to rapidly consume organic matter and reduce the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD).
- C.
They are obligate anaerobes that are pumped into large tanks to digest the aerobic bacteria and fungi present in the activated sludge.
- D.
Their primitive metabolic pathway involves the chemoautotrophic reduction of CO2 using H2 to produce a biogas mixture containing CH4 and H2S.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Comparative_Analysis
Sharpen your ability to evaluate multiple scenarios and distinguish between competing potential answers.
Concepts Behind This Question
Methanogens Metabolism|Nutrient Cycling Reservoirs|Activated Sludge Inoculum
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Location and Sequence Trap: The conceptual pivot relies on distinguishing the distinct phases of secondary sewage treatment.
Students often conflate the roles of aerobic flocs (which reduce BOD in the aeration tank) with anaerobic methanogens (which produce biogas in the anaerobic sludge digester).
By framing the question around the evolutionary and metabolic prowess of extremophiles, the student's attention is drawn away from the fundamental NCERT fact regarding the strict anaerobic nature of methanogens and their specific location in the sewage treatment sequence.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Evolution - Class 12 |
| Concept | Abiogenesis vs. Biogenesis |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |