Obligate anaerobe
Obligate Anaerobe
Obligate anaerobes (pronunciation: /ˈɒblɪɡət ænəˈroʊb/) are a type of microorganism that can only survive in environments devoid of oxygen. The term "obligate anaerobe" is derived from the Latin words "obligatus" meaning "bound" and "an-" meaning "without", and the Greek word "aer" meaning "air", thus signifying organisms that are bound to live without air or oxygen.
Characteristics
Obligate anaerobes are incapable of using molecular oxygen for respiration, unlike facultative anaerobes which can use oxygen if it is present. They are often found in environments that are oxygen-poor, such as soil, sediments, and the human gut. Some obligate anaerobes are pathogenic, causing diseases like botulism, tetanus, and gangrene.
Metabolism
Obligate anaerobes use fermentation or anaerobic respiration for energy production. They have enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase that can neutralize oxygen radicals, which are harmful to the cells.
Examples
Some examples of obligate anaerobes include Clostridium species, Bacteroides species, and Methanogens.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Obligate anaerobe
- Wikipedia's article - Obligate anaerobe
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