Enzymology

Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus are bacteria involved in the process of denitrification, which is a part of the nitrogen cycle.
In denitrification, these microbes convert nitrates (NO ) or nitrites (NO ) into gaseous nitrogen (N ) or nitrous oxide (N O), which are then released into the atmosphere. This process occurs under anaerobic conditions and helps close the nitrogen cycle by returning nitrogen back to the atmosphere.
Other processes in the nitrogen cycle involve different organisms:
- Ammonification: Carried out by decomposers (bacteria and fungi).
- Nitrification: Performed by bacteria like Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter.
- Putrification: Refers to decomposition, usually associated with foul-smelling products.
Therefore, Pseudomonas and Thiobacillus are correctly associated with denitrification.