Methanogens are the bacteria that are utilized in Gober gas plants. Gober gas plants, also known as biogas plants, are a type of renewable energy production system that convert organic waste material into biogas, which is primarily composed of methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Methanogens are the key bacteria responsible for the production of methane in these plants.

Explanation:

1. Gober gas plants and their purpose:
- Gober gas plants are designed to convert organic waste materials, such as animal manure, crop residues, food waste, and sewage sludge, into biogas.
- The primary purpose of these plants is to produce renewable energy in the form of biogas, which can be used as a fuel for heating, cooking, and electricity generation.

2. Role of bacteria in Gober gas plants:
- Bacteria play a crucial role in the anaerobic digestion process that occurs in Gober gas plants.
- Anaerobic digestion is a natural biological process that breaks down organic matter in the absence of oxygen, resulting in the production of biogas.
- Different groups of bacteria are involved in different stages of the anaerobic digestion process.

3. Methanogens and their function:
- Methanogens are a group of bacteria that belong to the domain Archaea and are specialized in producing methane gas.
- They thrive in the anaerobic conditions present in Gober gas plants and are responsible for the final step of the anaerobic digestion process.
- Methanogens convert the intermediate products of anaerobic digestion, such as volatile fatty acids and alcohols, into methane gas.
- They do this through a series of metabolic reactions that involve the reduction of carbon dioxide or acetate to produce methane as a byproduct.

4. Importance of methanogens in Gober gas plants:
- Methanogens are crucial for the efficient production of biogas in Gober gas plants.
- They ensure the complete breakdown and conversion of organic waste material into methane gas, which is the main component of biogas.
- Without methanogens, the anaerobic digestion process would be incomplete, and the biogas production would be significantly reduced.

In conclusion, methanogens are the bacteria utilized in Gober gas plants due to their unique ability to produce methane gas through the anaerobic digestion of organic waste material. They play a vital role in converting the waste into a renewable energy source and are essential for the efficient operation of Gober gas plants.