Chapter 26.8, Problem 3QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: To determine the reactant in the first step of the sulfate assimilation process.

Concept introduction: Sulfate assimilation is the process used for the production of hydrogen sulfide. The starting material for sulfate assimilation is sulfate ion. It is an oxidation-reduction process as the sulfur in sulfate ion is in oxidized form and in hydrogen sulfide it is present in the reduced form.

The conversion of sulfate ion to sulfide ion via sulfate assimilation occurs in 4 steps. These steps are as follows:

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

Step 4: