Aerobic organism
An aerobic organism or aerobe is an organism that can survive and grow in an oxygenated environment.[1] In contrast, an anaerobic organism (anaerobe) is any organism that does not require oxygen for growth. Some anaerobes react negatively or even die if oxygen is present.[2]
Types
- Obligate aerobes need oxygen to grow. In a process known as cellular respiration, these organisms use oxygen to oxidize substrates (for example sugars and fats) and generate energy.[3]
- Facultative anaerobes use oxygen if it is available, but also have anaerobic methods of energy production.[2]
- Microaerophiles require oxygen for energy production, but are harmed by atmospheric concentrations of oxygen (21% O2).[3]
- Aerotolerant anaerobes do not use oxygen but are not harmed by it.[3]
See also
- Aerobic digestion
- Anaerobic digestion
- Fermentation (biochemistry)
- Aerobic vaginitis
- Oxygenation (environmental)
References
- ↑ "aerobe" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
- 1 2 Hentges DJ (1996). "17: Anaerobes:General Characteristics". In Baron S. Medical Microbiology (4 ed.). Galveston, Texas: University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
- 1 2 3 Kenneth Todar. "Nutrition and Growth of Bacteria". Todar's Online Textbook of Bacteriology. p. 4. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
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