Approximately what percentage of microbial cell biomass is carbon?

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Multiple Choice

Approximately what percentage of microbial cell biomass is carbon?

Carbon makes up about half of microbial dry biomass because the cell’s major building blocks—proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates—are carbon-rich and collectively contribute roughly 50% of the dry mass. The rest of the dry weight is mainly oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and smaller amounts of sulfur, phosphorus, and trace elements. In practice, measurements place carbon content around 45–50% of dry weight, so about half is a reliable general number. That’s why approximately 50% is the best answer.

Carbon makes up about half of microbial dry biomass because the cell’s major building blocks—proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and carbohydrates—are carbon-rich and collectively contribute roughly 50% of the dry mass. The rest of the dry weight is mainly oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and smaller amounts of sulfur, phosphorus, and trace elements. In practice, measurements place carbon content around 45–50% of dry weight, so about half is a reliable general number. That’s why approximately 50% is the best answer.

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