Final answer:
A Candle Jar is used to cultivate capnophiles by creating a high CO₂ and low oxygen environment necessary for their growth, which is achieved by lighting a candle inside a sealed jar. This method is simple and effective for creating a suitable microaerophilic environment, while obligate anaerobes require an anaerobic jar or chamber to completely remove oxygen.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is a Candle Jar used for during cultivation of anaerobic organisms? The purpose of using a candle jar is to cultivate capnophilic bacteria, which are bacteria that thrive in environments with high carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels and low oxygen levels. These conditions closely mimic those in certain biological niches where capnophiles are commonly found.
The process of using the candle jar begins by placing the cultures inside the jar and then lighting a candle before sealing the jar with a tight lid. As the candle burns, it consumes the oxygen present inside, creating an environment rich in CO₂. This technique is particularly useful because it is a simple and cost-effective method to create a microaerophilic environment, which is essential for the growth of organisms like Haemophilus influenzae.
For obligate anaerobes, which cannot tolerate oxygen at all, an anaerobic jar or chamber is often used instead. These devices employ chemical packs to eliminate oxygen completely and create a strictly anaerobic atmosphere. This is necessary because obligate anaerobes can be found in environments like canned foods where oxygen is absent and any exposure to it can disrupt their metabolism or kill them.