Anaerobic bacteria

Anaerobic bacteria are a type of bacteria that do not require oxygen for growth. They can either be obligate, meaning they can only grow in the absence of oxygen, or facultative, meaning they can grow without oxygen but can utilize oxygen if it is present.

Classification

Anaerobic bacteria can be classified into three groups based on their relationship with oxygen: obligate anaerobes, aerotolerant organisms, and facultative anaerobes.

• Obligate anaerobes are completely inhibited by oxygen. They lack the enzymes superoxide dismutase and catalase which can neutralize the toxic forms of oxygen, such as superoxide radicals and hydrogen peroxide, respectively.

• Aerotolerant organisms do not use oxygen for growth, but they are not killed by it. They have the enzyme superoxide dismutase but lack catalase.

• Facultative anaerobes can grow with or without oxygen because they can metabolize energy aerobically or anaerobically. They possess both superoxide dismutase and catalase.

Metabolism

Anaerobic bacteria use different types of metabolism. Unlike aerobic organisms, they do not use molecular oxygen to oxidize carbohydrates and other nutrients to extract energy. Instead, they use other molecules or compounds as electron acceptors. Some use sulfate, nitrate or carbon dioxide to breathe anaerobically.

Medical relevance

Anaerobic bacteria are a common cause of infections, particularly infections arising from the gastrointestinal tract and female genitourinary tract. Infections caused by anaerobic bacteria can be life-threatening if not treated promptly and effectively.

See also

• Aerobic bacteria
• Microbiology
• Bacterial infection

References

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