What defines facultative anaerobes?

What defines facultative anaerobes?

• A. Bacteria that require high levels of oxygen
• B. Bacteria that grow only in the absence of oxygen
• C. Bacteria that can survive with or without oxygen
• D. Bacteria that only thrive in anaerobic conditions

Answer: (C)

Facultative anaerobes are defined by their ability to survive and grow in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. This means that these bacteria can utilize oxygen when it is present for aerobic respiration, which is typically more efficient in terms of energy production. However, when oxygen is not available, they can switch to anaerobic metabolism or fermentation to generate energy, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments. This versatility is a key characteristic of facultative anaerobes, enabling them to adapt to changing oxygen levels in their habitat. In contrast, other types of bacteria have more restrictive growth requirements; for instance, those needing high levels of oxygen are termed aerophiles, while bacteria that can only grow in the absence of oxygen are known as obligate anaerobes. Those that thrive specifically in anaerobic conditions do not have the flexible metabolic capabilities that facultative anaerobes possess.

Facultative anaerobes are defined by their ability to survive and grow in both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. This means that these bacteria can utilize oxygen when it is present for aerobic respiration, which is typically more efficient in terms of energy production. However, when oxygen is not available, they can switch to anaerobic metabolism or fermentation to generate energy, allowing them to thrive in a variety of environments. This versatility is a key characteristic of facultative anaerobes, enabling them to adapt to changing oxygen levels in their habitat.

In contrast, other types of bacteria have more restrictive growth requirements; for instance, those needing high levels of oxygen are termed aerophiles, while bacteria that can only grow in the absence of oxygen are known as obligate anaerobes. Those that thrive specifically in anaerobic conditions do not have the flexible metabolic capabilities that facultative anaerobes possess.