Question

Give examples to prove that microbes release gases during metabolism.

Answer 1

Bacteria produce a number of by-products as a result of metabolism of the substrate provided to them. The evidences to prove that bacteria produce gases as a result of metabolism can be enlisted as below:

1. Production of bubbles in a closed test-tube due to metabolic action of bacteria.
2. Production of gases in the closed chamber of bio-gas production ie methane.
3. Production of foul-smelling gases in the gastric chamber due to mis-digestion by gastric flora.
4. Production of harmful gases such as H₂S etc by bacteria in volcanic sites and hot-water springs.
5. Production of gases in the bio-reactors for commercial use.

Thus, these are some of the examples which prove that bacteria produce a number of gases such as CO₂, CH₄, H₂S, SO₂ and NH₄ etc which can be utilized commerically as well.