Facultative aerobe
Facultative Aerobe
Facultative aerobe (pronunciation: fuh-KUHL-tuh-tiv AIR-obe) is a type of microorganism that can survive and grow in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. The term is derived from the Latin facultas, meaning "ability", and the Greek aer, meaning "air", and bios, meaning "life".
Definition
A facultative aerobe is a type of bacteria that can live and grow in both oxygenated and non-oxygenated environments. These organisms are capable of metabolizing energy through aerobic respiration when oxygen is present, and switch to anaerobic respiration or fermentation when oxygen is scarce.
Characteristics
Facultative aerobes are versatile in their metabolic capabilities. They can utilize oxygen for cellular respiration, but can also survive in environments where oxygen is not available. This adaptability allows them to inhabit a wide range of environments, from oxygen-rich surface waters to oxygen-poor sediments and soils.
Examples
Examples of facultative aerobes include Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (brewer's yeast). These organisms are commonly found in various environments, including the human body, and are often studied in microbiology and biotechnology.
Related Terms
- Aerobe: An organism that requires oxygen to live and grow.
- Anaerobe: An organism that can survive and grow in the absence of oxygen.
- Microaerophile: An organism that requires oxygen to survive, but at lower concentrations than are present in the atmosphere.
- Obligate aerobe: An organism that cannot survive without oxygen.
- Obligate anaerobe: An organism that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Facultative aerobe
- Wikipedia's article - Facultative aerobe
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