Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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What is the term for a microorganism that requires oxygen for growth?

Anaerobe
Aerobe
Clostridium
Obligate anaerobe

The correct answer is: Aerobe

The term for a microorganism that requires oxygen for growth is "aerobe." Aerobes utilize oxygen for their metabolic processes, allowing them to generate energy in a manner that often results in more efficient ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production compared to anaerobic processes. This reliance on oxygen is crucial for their survival and proliferation in environments where oxygen is present. In contrast, anaerobes, including obligate anaerobes, cannot grow in the presence of oxygen and may even find it toxic. Clostridium, as an example of an obligate anaerobe, thrives in environments devoid of oxygen, further highlighting the distinction between aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms. Understanding these classifications is essential in microbiology, particularly in clinical contexts where the presence or absence of oxygen can influence the growth of pathogens and the outcomes of infections.