Question

Which microbial stage of anaerobic digestion breaks down complex polymers such as cellulose, proteins, and fats into soluble monomers?

Options

• Methanogenesis

• Acidogenesis

• Fermentation

• Hydrolysis/Solubilisation

Answer 1

Hydrolysis (also called Solubilisation) is Stage I of anaerobic digestion, performed by hydrolytic bacteria. In this stage, complex polymers including cellulose, proteins, and fats are enzymatically broken down into simple soluble monomers such as sugars, amino acids, and fatty acids. These soluble compounds then become substrate for the subsequent stages of digestion.