Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

Are aerobic bacteria capable of growing in an oxygenated environment?

1. True

2. False

3. Only in limited oxygen

4. Dependent on temperature

The correct answer is: True

Aerobic bacteria are indeed capable of growing in an oxygenated environment, and this is a fundamental aspect of their biology. These microorganisms require oxygen for their metabolic processes, specifically for respiration, to generate energy. In aerobic respiration, they utilize oxygen to convert substrates (like glucose) into energy, carbon dioxide, and water. This process is efficient and allows aerobic bacteria to thrive in environments where oxygen is abundant, such as open air or in soils. Understanding the growth requirements of aerobic bacteria is crucial in food safety, as their presence can significantly affect food preservation and spoilage, impacting overall food safety practices.