Final answer:
Exceeding the optimal temperature range for bacterial growth can cause proteins to denature, inhibit growth, and can potentially kill the bacteria. Mesophiles have different preferences within a moderate temperature range, while thermophiles thrive at significantly higher temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the temperature is higher than the optimal range for bacterial growth, it negatively affects the bacteria's ability to multiply and may lead to the denaturation of their proteins, impeding their growth. At extremely high temperatures, the thermal energy can break apart large molecules essential for the survival of microorganisms. Each type of bacteria has an optimal temperature range, such as mesophiles, which thrive at 20-40°C, and thermophiles, which prefer much higher temperatures, ranging from 50°C to a maximum of 80°C. In practical applications, heating food to temperatures of at least 74°C (165°F) is sufficient to kill most bacteria, helping to prevent foodborne illnesses.