How Does Oxygen Affect Microbial Growth

Bacteria that require oxygen to grow are called obligate aerobic

How does oxygen affect microbial distribution?

Microorganisms vary in their requirements for molecular oxygen. Obligate aerobes depend on aerobic respiration and use oxygen as a terminal electron acceptor. They cannot grow without oxygen. … Facultative anaerobes show better growth in the presence of oxygen but will also grow without it.

Why is oxygen toxic to microorganisms?

Oxygen is toxic to obligate anaerobic bacteria because they do not possess defence mechanisms to protect enzymes from oxidants. … Hydrogen peroxide is utilised by the enzyme catalase and peroxidase.