Bacteria that can utilize methane, methanol, carbon monoxide, formic acid, and a few related one-carbon molecules as their principal source of carbon are called ____________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Bacteria that can utilize one-carbon molecules such as methane, methanol, and formic acid as their principal source of carbon are called methylotrophic bacteria. The prefix 'methyl-' refers to the one-carbon group present in these molecules. Therefore, option A, methylotrophic, is the correct choice. Option B, carbotrophic, is not a commonly used term to describe this group of bacteria. Option C, monotrophic, has no relation to the metabolism of one-carbon molecules. Option D, autotrophic, is not specific to the metabolism of one-carbon molecules, but refers to organisms that can synthesize their own organic compounds using inorganic molecules like CO2.

Bacteria That Can Utilize Methane, Methanol, Carbon Monoxide, Formic Acid