NEETZoologyMicrobes in Human Welfare
What is the role of methanogens in the rumen of cattle?
Options
- AThey help in the breakdown of cellulose and play an important role in cattle nutrition
- BThey produce methane and nitrogen
- CThey produce carbon dioxide and hydrogen
- DThey produce nitrogen and oxygen
Correct answer
A. They help in the breakdown of cellulose and play an important role in cattle nutrition
Step-by-step solution
certain bacteria, which grow anaerobically on cellulosic material, produce large amount of methane along with CO2 and H2 . These bacteria are collectively called methanogens, and one such common bacterium is Methanobacterium. These bacteria are commonly found in the anaerobic sludge during sewage treatment. These bacteria are also present in the rumen (a part of stomach) of cattle. A lot of cellulosic material present in the food of cattle is also present in the rumen. In rumen, these bacteria help in the breakdown