Abstract <p>The quinones, known for causing multiple deleterious effects like acute cytotoxicity and immunotoxicity in the vertebrate hosts, have significant roles in the growth of the human gut microbiome. Besides its principal role in the electron transfer cascade, where it acts as a link between numerous hydrogenases and the terminal electron acceptor to the nitrate and oxygen, it also has a vital role in controlling oxidative stress. There are three species of quinones that have an essential role in regulating the optimal growth and proper functioning of the respiratory chain in prokaryotes, one of the most important being the menaquinones. These quinones of Vitamin K can be taken up by the host system and produced by the microbial population inside the gut. As a mediator of the interaction between the diet-gut microbiome, Vitamin K plays a vital role in the community dynamics of the microbial commensals of the gut. Besides, eukaryotes that are capable of rhodoquinone in mitochondria can respire under anoxic and low oxygen conditions. Now, the possible evolutionary course that led to such adaptation is an area of ongoing research. This review paper broadly discusses the types and physiological roles of different quinone species in both prokaryotes and eukaryotes.</p>