Question

Marsh Gas is produced by
A. Mycoplasma
B. Myxobacteria
C. Methanogens
D. Halophiles

Answer 1

Hint: Marsh gas, which is also called methane (methyl hydride), is the main constituent of natural gas. It is produced by the anaerobic (bacterial) decomposition of organic material, in the absence of air/oxygen.

Complete Answer:
Methanogenesis (biomethanation) is the formation of methane by microbes called “methanogens”. Such organisms have been identified only from the domain - Archaea - it is phylogenetically distinct group from both eukaryotes and bacteria,

Option a) : Mycoplasma - The mycoplasmas are the parasites of plants and animals.
Mycoplasmas have limited mobility; however, they are able to utilize the vascular system of the host plant to move throughout the host plant.
This option is not relevant and thus, incorrect.

Option b) : Myxobacteria - The myxobacteria - "slime bacteria" - predominantly live in soil and feed on insoluble organic substances.
This option is not relevant and thus, incorrect.

Option c) : Methanogens - Methanogens are strict anaerobes that produce methane as a metabolic byproduct in hypoxic conditions i.e. in oxygen depleted environments of soil sediments and also in the intestinal tracts of animals and humans.
Thus, this is the Correct option.

Option d) : Halophiles - The halophiles, named after a Greek word meaning - salt-loving, thrive in quite high concentrations of salt.
This option is not relevant and thus, incorrect.

Thus, the correct option is C) methanogens.

Note: For a very long time marsh gas was considered as having supernatural properties due to its ability to self-ignite, it usually occurred in marshes and was especially visible at night. It is odorless and colorless and lighter than air.