Question
Human pathogens are generally which type of microbe? (A) mesophiles (B) psychrophiles (C) psychrotrophs (D) thermophiles
Ask by Bowman Barrett. in the United States
Feb 27,2025
Upstudy AI Solution
Tutor-Verified Answer
Answer
Human pathogens are generally **mesophiles**.
Solution
To determine which type of microbe human pathogens generally belong to, let's analyze the options:
(A) **Mesophiles**: These are organisms that thrive at moderate temperatures, typically between 20°C and 45°C. Most human pathogens fall into this category because the human body temperature is around 37°C.
(B) **Psychrophiles**: These organisms prefer cold temperatures, typically below 20°C. They are not commonly associated with human pathogens.
(C) **Psychrotrophs**: These can grow at low temperatures but have an optimal growth temperature above 20°C. While some foodborne pathogens may fall into this category, they are not the primary type of human pathogens.
(D) **Thermophiles**: These organisms thrive at high temperatures, usually above 45°C. They are not typically associated with human infections.
Based on this analysis, the correct answer is:
**(A) mesophiles**.
Answered by UpStudy AI and reviewed by a Professional Tutor
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Simplify this solution Extra Insights
Human pathogens are generally mesophiles, thriving best at moderate temperatures, typically between 20°C and 45°C (68°F to 113°F), which aligns perfectly with the average human body temperature of about 37°C (98.6°F). This makes them particularly well-adapted to infect and proliferate in human hosts! On the flip side, while psychrophiles can tolerate cold environments, they aren’t the culprits behind most human infections. Instead, they thrive in frigid waters and icy conditions, which is far from the warm embrace of our bodies—thankfully! So, the next time you feel under the weather, remember it’s the mesophiles doing their work!
