Bacteria which converts ammonia to nitrites

Options

A. Nitrobacter
B. Nitrosomonas
C. mycobacterium
D. pseudomonas

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding the Process of Nitrification:**
- Nitrification is the biological process that converts ammonium nitrogen (NH4+) into nitrate nitrogen (NO3-). This process occurs in two main steps: the oxidation of ammonia to nitrite and the oxidation of nitrite to nitrate.

2. **Identifying the First Step:**
- The first step of nitrification involves the conversion of ammonia (NH3) to nitrite (NO2-). This step is carried out by specific bacteria.

3. **Identifying the Bacteria Responsible for Ammonia to Nitrite Conversion:**
- The bacteria responsible for the conversion of ammonia to nitrite is called **Nitrosomonas**. This bacterium oxidizes ammonia ions to produce nitrite.

4. **Identifying the Second Step:**
- The second step of nitrification involves the conversion of nitrite to nitrate, which is performed by another type of bacteria known as **Nitrobacter**.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Since the question specifically asks for the bacteria that converts ammonia to nitrites, the correct answer is **Nitrosomonas**.

**Final Answer:**
The bacteria that converts ammonia to nitrites is **Nitrosomonas**.

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