Based on the energetics of microbial growth, write a balanced equation for the fermentation of sucrose to methane. Assume that nitrate is available as the nitrogen source for cell synthesis. Estimate the following amounts:
a) methane gas produced in liters at STP per g of source
b) cell mass produced per g of sucrose metabloized
c) nitrogen required as NO_3-N per g of sucrose
Determine the net free energy for the above reaction.