key term - Optimum oxygen concentration

Definition

Optimum oxygen concentration is the specific level of oxygen that supports the best possible growth and metabolic activity for a particular microorganism. This concentration varies among different types of microbes based on their oxygen requirements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Different microorganisms have varying optimum oxygen concentrations, classified as obligate aerobes, obligate anaerobes, facultative anaerobes, microaerophiles, and aerotolerant anaerobes.
2. Obligate aerobes require an environment with high levels of oxygen to grow.
3. Obligate anaerobes cannot tolerate oxygen and grow best in its absence.
4. Facultative anaerobes can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen but prefer environments with oxygen for optimal growth.
5. Microaerophiles need low levels of oxygen (lower than atmospheric levels) for growth, whereas aerotolerant anaerobes do not require oxygen but can tolerate its presence.

Review Questions

Related terms

Obligate Aerobe: A microorganism that requires high levels of oxygen for growth.

Obligate Anaerobe: A microorganism that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen.

Microaerophile: A microorganism that requires low levels of oxygen for optimal growth.