Question

Obligate aerobes cannot grow without oxygen. Facultative anaerobes do not require oxygen for metabolism and are capable of growth in its absence. Strict anaerobes lack enzymes for processing toxic oxygen and cannot tolerate any free oxygen in the immediate environment. Aerotolerant anaerobes do not utilize oxygen gas but can survive and grow in its presence.

a) Obligate aerobes

b) Facultative anaerobes

c) Strict anaerobes

d) Aerotolerant anaerobes

Answer 1

Microorganisms differ in their oxygen requirements: obligate aerobes need oxygen, facultative anaerobes can grow with or without it, strict anaerobes are killed by oxygen, and aerotolerant anaerobes tolerate oxygen but do not use it for growth.

Step-by-step explanation:

Microorganisms exhibit different oxygen requirements for their growth and metabolism. Each group has its specific characteristics and environmental preferences based on their ability to utilize or tolerate oxygen. Obligate aerobes require oxygen to survive because they rely solely on aerobic respiration. Facultative anaerobes can grow in the presence or absence of oxygen, utilizing aerobic respiration when oxygen is available, and switching to anaerobic processes such as fermentation when it is not. Strict anaerobes, on the other hand, are inhibited or killed by oxygen; they use fermentation or anaerobic respiration, employing a final electron acceptor other than oxygen. Lastly, aerotolerant anaerobes do not require oxygen and do not use it for growth, but they can tolerate its presence and continue to grow by fermentation.