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🔬 Biology  ·  Microbes in Human Welfare  ·  NEET

Which free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium is closely associated with the rhizosphere of grasses and cereals?

Answer: Azospirillum.

  • A Rhizobium
  • B Nostoc
  • C Azospirillum
  • D Anabaena

Correct answer: C. Azospirillum

Explanation: Azospirillum is a free-living nitrogen-fixing bacterium found in the rhizosphere (root zone) of grasses and cereals, enhancing their nitrogen supply.

Sewage Treatment FlowPrimaryphysical filtering+ sedimentationSecondary (aerobic)aeration tank, flocsconsume organic matterActivated sludgesettles out;part reused as inoculumSludge digesterANAEROBIC →biogas (CH₄)Note the switch: aerobic microbes in the tank, anaerobic microbes in the digester

Sewage passes through physical removal (primary), then aerobic biological treatment where microbes form flocs that consume organic matter (secondary); the settled activated sludge is then digested anaerobically to produce biogas - a deliberate switch from aerobic to anaerobic conditions between stages.

Concept context

Microorganisms in food, medicine, sewage treatment, biocontrol, and biofertilizers

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