Which one of the following process is NOT used to convert the hydrocarbons present in the organic compounds to central metabolic intermediates?
Which one of the following process is NOT used to convert the hydrocarbons present in the organic compounds to central metabolic intermediates?
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
Extraction is NOT a biochemical conversion of hydrocarbons:Hydrocarbon biodegradation involves enzymatic conversion of organic hydrocarbons to central metabolic intermediates (e.g., acetyl-CoA, TCA cycle intermediates). The processes include:• Hydration: addition of water across a C=C double bond; e.g., alkene → alcohol.• Nitroreduction: reduction of nitro groups (−NO₂ → −NH₂) in nitroaromatic compounds; key in degradation of TNT, nitrobenzene.• Reductive dehydroxylation: removal of a hydroxyl group under anaerobic conditions; e.g., phenol → benzene in some anaerobic pathways.Extraction:• Extraction is a PHYSICAL SEPARATION process (liquid-liquid or solid-liquid extraction).• It separates compounds based on differential solubility between two phases.• It does NOT chemically transform hydrocarbons — no covalent bonds are made or broken.Therefore, extraction is NOT used to convert hydrocarbons to metabolic intermediates.Answer: Extraction is a physical separation, not a biochemical conversion; it does not convert hydrocarbons to metabolic intermediates.