Facultative aerobe

Facultative Aerobe is a type of microorganism that can survive in both oxygen-rich and oxygen-poor environments. These organisms are capable of aerobic respiration when oxygen is present, but can switch to anaerobic respiration or fermentation in its absence.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Facultative aerobes are a type of bacteria that can live and grow in both oxygenated and non-oxygenated environments. They are capable of metabolism through aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, or fermentation, depending on the availability of oxygen.

Metabolism[edit | edit source]

Facultative aerobes use oxygen for aerobic respiration when it is available. This process involves the oxidation of molecules such as glucose to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water. When oxygen is not available, these organisms can switch to anaerobic respiration or fermentation. In anaerobic respiration, other molecules like nitrate or sulfate are used as the final electron acceptor instead of oxygen. In fermentation, energy is produced without the use of an external electron acceptor.

Examples[edit | edit source]

Examples of facultative aerobes include many species of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus. These bacteria are often found in environments where oxygen levels can fluctuate, such as the human gut or on the skin.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Facultative aerobe Resources
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