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[2] [6] [7] Naturally occurring methane is mainly produced by the process of methanogenesis, a form of anaerobic respiration used by microorganisms as an energy source. [8] Methanogenesis usually only occurs under anoxic conditions. By contrast, aerobic methane production is thought to occur in oxygenated environments under near-ambient conditions.
The production of methane is an important and widespread form of microbial metabolism. In anoxic environments, it is the final step in the decomposition of biomass. Methanogenesis is responsible for significant amounts of natural gas accumulations, the remainder being thermogenic. [1] [2] [3]
Under the correct conditions of pressure and temperature, biogenic methane can accumulate in massive deposits of methane clathrates [22] that account for a significant fraction of organic carbon in continental margin sediments and represent a key reservoir of a potent greenhouse gas.
In some cases, aerobic methane oxidation can take place in anoxic environments. " Candidatus Methylomirabilis oxyfera " belongs to the phylum NC10 bacteria, and can catalyze nitrite reduction through an "intra-aerobic" pathway, in which internally produced oxygen is used to oxidise methane.
Whereas in aerobic respiration the oxidant is always oxygen, in anaerobic respiration it varies. Each oxidant produces a different waste product, such as nitrite, succinate, sulfide, methane, and acetate. Anaerobic respiration is correspondingly less efficient than aerobic respiration.
The end products of an aerobic process are primarily carbon dioxide and water which are the stable, oxidised forms of carbon and hydrogen. If the biodegradable starting material contains nitrogen, phosphorus and sulfur, then the end products may also include their oxidised forms- nitrate, phosphate and sulfate. [1]
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Cellular respiration is a vital process that occurs in the cells of all [[plants and some bacteria ]]. [2] [better source needed] Respiration can be either aerobic, requiring oxygen, or anaerobic; some organisms can switch between aerobic and anaerobic respiration. [3] [better source needed]