Final answer:
To increase the growth of a specific microorganism, a nutrient-rich environment, temperature control, and careful adjustment of the pH and atmospheric gases like oxygen are key. Microaerophiles, in particular, need lower oxygen levels, and capnophiles flourish in a higher CO2 environment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Creating an Optimal Environment for Microbial Growth
When attempting to support the growth of a particular microorganism, especially to increase the number of rare organisms, various environmental conditions could be manipulated. A nutrient-rich environment is crucial as it provides necessary organic compounds and sometimes additional nutritional components such as vitamins, which are required for the growth of heterotrophic bacteria. These bacteria rely on organic compounds for energy and carbon. Additionally, managing the temperature to replicate the natural growth conditions of the microorganisms is vital for optimal growth. Microorganisms also grow best at their optimum growth pH, with neutrophiles thriving at a pH close to 7.0, acidophiles at a pH near 3.0 and alkaliphiles between a pH of 8 and 10.5.
Moreover, the concentration of atmospheric gases, specifically oxygen, needs to be finely tuned to match the organisms' requirements. For instance, microaerophiles require oxygen for growth but at lower concentrations than the standard 21% oxygen level found in the atmosphere. Superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase are the enzymes that help in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species in organisms that are capable of tolerating oxygen. Some organisms, known as capnophiles, grow better in a higher-than-atmospheric concentration of CO2.
Less than 1% of bacteria are culturable in laboratory conditions, however, with careful consideration of factors like oxygen levels, pH, temperature, and nutrient availability, microbiologists can successfully culture and study a diverse array of these organisms.