Question

Major roles of microbes in the environment include which of the following?

a) Decomposition of organic wastes

b) Degrading plastics

c) Cycling elements for biochemical cycles

d) Primary producers of organic compounds

e) Population control

Answer 1

A) Microbes help in Decomposition of organic wastes. Organic matter is broken down to carbon dioxide and the mineral forms of nutria-supplements like nitrogen. B) Some Species of microbes are capable of breaking down and consuming the plastic poly (ethylene terephthalate) ie. PET as an only carbon and energy source. Hence the statement that microbes help in degrading plastics can be true to some species of microbes. C) Microbes take part in vital biogeochemical cycling measures like carbon and nitrogen fixation. Hence microbes can be considered as cycling elements for biochemical cycles. D) Yes Microbes are Primary producers of organic compounds. They take nutria- supplements from organic matter which is left in the soil by decomposers and convert them into food for themselves and other creatures.