Which statement describes the metabolic effect of temperature on bacteria?

The statement highlighting that each bacterial species has a specific optimal temperature range accurately reflects the relationship between temperature and bacterial metabolism. Bacteria are ectothermic organisms, meaning their metabolic activities, including growth and reproduction, are heavily influenced by external temperatures.

Each species of bacteria has evolved to thrive at particular temperature ranges, known as cardinal temperatures, which include the minimum, maximum, and optimal temperatures for growth. The optimal temperature is where the metabolic processes, such as enzyme activity and nutrient uptake, are most efficient, leading to the highest growth rate. For many pathogenic and environmental bacteria, these optimally favorable temperatures correspond closely with the ambient conditions of their natural habitats or hosts.

In contrast, while higher temperatures may enhance the growth rate of some bacteria within their optimal range, they can actually inhibit or harm others. Similarly, lower temperatures may slow growth considerably, but some bacteria, termed psychrophiles, can thrive in these cooler conditions. Hence, the assertion that temperature has no effect on metabolic activity is incorrect, as it is a critical factor influencing bacterial growth and survival across diverse environments.