Facultative anaerobes are organisms that can survive with or without oxygen. They can metabolize energy aerobically when oxygen is present and switch to anaerobic respiration or fermentation when it is absent.
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Facultative anaerobes are adaptable to both aerobic and anaerobic environments.
They play a significant role in the decomposition process by breaking down organic matter in varying oxygen levels.
In fungi, facultative anaerobes contribute to their survival and growth in diverse habitats.
These organisms possess enzymes such as catalase and superoxide dismutase to detoxify oxygen byproducts.
Some pathogenic fungi exhibit facultative anaerobic behavior, aiding their ability to infect hosts with fluctuating oxygen levels.
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Related terms
Obligate Aerobes: Organisms that require oxygen for survival and cannot grow without it.