Final answer:
Pathogens grow especially fast between the range of 20 °C to about 45 °C, which coincides with the temperature range where many mesophiles, including pathogens, grow best.
Step-by-step explanation:
Pathogens, which are microorganisms that cause diseases, generally grow best at moderate temperatures. Specifically, they thrive in the range of 20 °C to about 45 °C. These temperatures are considered mesophilic, which is the temperature range where mesophiles, including many pathogens, grow best.
For example, the optimal growth temperature for many pathogenic mesophiles is 37 °C (98°F), which coincidentally is the normal human body temperature. This temperature is ideal for their growth and survival.
To adapt to extreme temperatures (either cold or hot), microorganisms need to undergo changes in the composition of their membrane lipids and proteins.