Final answer:
True, most disease-causing bacteria are mesophilic and can indeed grow within the range of 41°F-135°F, which overlaps their optimal growth temperature range.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that most disease-causing bacteria can grow within a temperature range of 41°F-135°F is True. Bacteria are classified based on their optimal growth temperatures. Mesophilic bacteria, which include many pathogenic or disease-causing bacteria, have an optimal growth temperature range between 20°C and 45°C (68°F to 113°F). This range is within the boundaries of the temperature range mentioned in the question (41°F-135°F). Moreover, it is well understood that bacteria generally multiply most rapidly at temperatures between about 4°C and 60°C (40°F and 140°F), which includes the given range. Therefore, the temperature range provided is a critical zone for preventing the growth of bacteria in perishable foods by either keeping foods below or cooking them above this danger zone.