Which of the following characteristics best describes anaerobic bacteria?

Which of the following characteristics best describes anaerobic bacteria?

• A. Require oxygen for growth
• B. Grow in the absence of oxygen
• C. Are always pathogenic
• D. Thrive at high temperatures

Answer: (B)

Anaerobic bacteria are characterized by their ability to grow in the absence of oxygen. This group of bacteria has developed metabolic pathways that do not rely on oxygen for energy production, allowing them to thrive in environments where oxygen is limited or entirely absent. Anaerobic bacteria can be found in a variety of environments, including deep in soil, in the intestines of animals, and in other oxygen-depleted environments. Because they are adapted to such conditions, they employ fermentation or anaerobic respiration processes to generate energy. The other options do not accurately describe anaerobic bacteria. The requirement for oxygen is a defining trait of aerobic bacteria, while pathogenicity is not universally applicable to anaerobic bacteria as many are non-pathogenic and play important roles in processes like digestion. Similarly, there are anaerobic bacteria that thrive in a range of temperatures, not necessarily high temperatures specifically, as thermophiles would. Thus, the correct description of anaerobic bacteria focuses on their capacity to grow without oxygen.

Anaerobic bacteria are characterized by their ability to grow in the absence of oxygen. This group of bacteria has developed metabolic pathways that do not rely on oxygen for energy production, allowing them to thrive in environments where oxygen is limited or entirely absent.

Anaerobic bacteria can be found in a variety of environments, including deep in soil, in the intestines of animals, and in other oxygen-depleted environments. Because they are adapted to such conditions, they employ fermentation or anaerobic respiration processes to generate energy.

The other options do not accurately describe anaerobic bacteria. The requirement for oxygen is a defining trait of aerobic bacteria, while pathogenicity is not universally applicable to anaerobic bacteria as many are non-pathogenic and play important roles in processes like digestion. Similarly, there are anaerobic bacteria that thrive in a range of temperatures, not necessarily high temperatures specifically, as thermophiles would. Thus, the correct description of anaerobic bacteria focuses on their capacity to grow without oxygen.