Question
- What is the difference between a obligate anaerobe and an aerotolerant anaerobe?
- What type of an environment does a halophile prefer?
- What are the microbe temperature group names and their ranges?
What are 3 common physical methods of control of microbial growth?
What are 3 common physical methods of control of microbial growth?
Ask by Fleming Chambers. in the United States
Mar 22,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
3. Difference Between an Obligate Anaerobe and an Aerotolerant Anaerobe
-
Obligate Anaerobe: Cannot survive in oxygen; lacks enzymes to handle reactive oxygen.
-
Aerotolerant Anaerobe: Does not use oxygen for growth but can survive in its presence; has enzymes to detoxify oxygen.
4. Environment Preferred by a Halophile
High-salt environments like salt lakes, salt pans, and saline soils.
5. Microbe Temperature Group Names and Their Ranges
- Psychrophiles: Below
- Mesophiles:
to - Thermophiles:
to - Hyperthermophiles: Above
6. Three Common Physical Methods of Control of Microbial Growth
- Heat: Uses high temperatures (e.g., autoclaving) to kill microorganisms.
- Radiation: Applies UV or ionizing radiation to damage microbial DNA.
- Filtration: Removes microorganisms using filters with small pore sizes.
Solution
3. Difference Between an Obligate Anaerobe and an Aerotolerant Anaerobe
-
An obligate anaerobe cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. Oxygen is toxic to these organisms because they lack the necessary enzymes (such as superoxide dismutase and catalase) to neutralize reactive oxygen species.
-
An aerotolerant anaerobe does not use oxygen for growth; it relies solely on anaerobic metabolism. However, unlike obligate anaerobes, aerotolerant anaerobes possess enzymes that detoxify oxygen, allowing them to survive (though not to benefit from) the presence of oxygen.
4. Environment Preferred by a Halophile
A halophile is an organism that thrives in environments with high concentrations of salt (
). These environments include salt lakes, salt pans, and saline soils, where the salt concentration is significantly higher than in typical environments.
5. Microbe Temperature Group Names and Their Ranges
-
Psychrophiles: These microorganisms grow best at low temperatures, typically with an optimum growth temperature below
and can sometimes grow near . -
Mesophiles: They prefer moderate temperatures, with an optimum growth range between approximately
and . Most human pathogens belong to this group. -
Thermophiles: These organisms grow optimally at higher temperatures, generally between about
and . -
Hyperthermophiles: They thrive at extremely high temperatures, typically with optimum ranges above
, and are often found in environments such as hot springs and hydrothermal vents.
6. Three Common Physical Methods of Control of Microbial Growth
-
Heat:
- Methods include boiling, pasteurization, autoclaving (using moist heat under pressure), and dry heat sterilization.
- For example, autoclaving typically uses temperatures around
for a specified period to ensure sterilization.
-
Radiation:
- Ultraviolet (UV) radiation and ionizing radiation (such as gamma rays) are used to damage microbial DNA and inhibit reproduction.
-
Filtration:
- Physical removal of microorganisms from liquids or gases using filters with pore sizes small enough (typically around
micrometers) to retain bacteria and other microbes.
- Physical removal of microorganisms from liquids or gases using filters with pore sizes small enough (typically around
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Bonus Knowledge
Obligate anaerobes are the true champions of the oxygen-free world! They thrive in environments devoid of oxygen, as it’s actually toxic to them. In contrast, aerotolerant anaerobes are like the chill friends at the party who don’t mind a bit of oxygen. They can survive in oxygen-rich environments but don’t use it for energy, relying instead on fermentation. So one shuns oxygen, while the other simply tolerates it!
When it comes to halophiles, these amazing microbes are the salt-loving partygoers of the microbial world! They thrive in environments with high salt concentrations, such as salt lakes or salt mines, where they demonstrate impressive adaptations to survive and actually flourish where others might wither away. They’ll be found basking in the briny goodness, often producing bright pigments that give these hyper-saline habitats their vibrant hues!