Anaerobic digestion is a process involving three stages. In the first stage, acidogenic bacteria break down sugars, amino acids, and produce organic acids. Acetogenic bacteria then convert the organic acids to acetic acid. Finally, methanogens convert the end products into methane and carbon dioxide. Key genera of microbes involved include Clostridium, Methanobacterium, and Methanosarcina. Anaerobic digestion has advantages such as producing renewable energy in the form of biogas and producing fertilizer, but requires large investments for commercial-scale operations.