Anaerobic
Definition
Anaerobic organisms or processes occur in the absence of oxygen. These organisms can survive and carry out metabolic activities without atmospheric oxygen.
5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test
- Anaerobic bacteria are commonly found in environments like deep soil, water sediments, and the human gut.
- Fermentation is a typical anaerobic process used by many microbes to generate energy.
- Some pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium botulinum, are anaerobic and can cause serious diseases.
- Anaerobes play a crucial role in biogeochemical cycles, including nitrogen fixation and decomposition.
- Obligate anaerobes cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, while facultative anaerobes can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism.
Review Questions
- What environments are most likely to harbor anaerobic bacteria?
- How do obligate anaerobes differ from facultative anaerobes?
- What is a common metabolic process used by anaerobic organisms to produce energy?
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Related terms
Fermentation: A metabolic process that converts sugar to acids, gases, or alcohol in the absence of oxygen.
Obligate Anaerobe: An organism that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen.
Facultative Anaerobe: An organism that can use oxygen when it is available but also has anaerobic methods of energy production.
