Question

Given below are two statements, one is labelled as Assertion (A) and other one labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A) : Carbon mineralization is tightly coupled to the release of minerals N, P, and S
Reason (R) : It is driven by microbial requirements for C and nutrients for their maintenance, growth, and the production of extracellular metabolites including enzymes
In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Biogeochemical cycles of C, N, P, and S are biologically linked because soil decomposers require all these elements in stoichiometric ratios (C:N:P:S ratio) to grow and reproduce.
This makes (R) the correct explanation of (A).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A