Which type of bacteria can tolerate full oxygen tensions of 21%?

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Study for the UCF MCB2004 Microbiology for Health Professionals Exam 2. Engage with interactive content, flashcards, and detailed explanations to boost your preparation and confidence. Secure better results on your exam!

Aerobes are a group of bacteria that can thrive in environments with the presence of oxygen, which includes conditions with full atmospheric oxygen tension of approximately 21%. They utilize oxygen for aerobic respiration, a metabolic process that allows them to efficiently produce energy from organic compounds. This adaptability to high levels of oxygen is essential for their survival and growth in environments where oxygen is abundant.

Anaerobes, on the other hand, are bacteria that do not require oxygen for their metabolism and may even find oxygen toxic. Halophiles are organisms that prefer high salt concentrations, and acidophiles thrive in acidic environments. While each of these groups has unique adaptations allowing them to survive under specific environmental conditions, they do not have the same tolerance for high oxygen levels as aerobes do.