Final answer:
Most bacteria can thrive in the time/temperature danger zone, which is between approximately 4 and 60 degrees Celsius. Some bacteria, like mesophiles, grow best at moderate temperatures, while pathogens have an optimal growth temperature of 37 degrees Celsius.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most bacteria can thrive in the time/temperature danger zone (TDZ), which is between approximately 4 and 60 degrees Celsius (40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature range is where bacteria multiply most rapidly, posing a risk of food contamination and spoilage if perishable foods remain in this range for more than two hours. Some bacteria, like mesophiles, grow best at moderate temperatures, typically between 25 and 40 degrees Celsius (77 and 104 degrees Fahrenheit). Other bacteria, like pathogens, have an optimal growth temperature of 37 degrees Celsius (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit), which is the normal human body temperature.