NUTRIENTS
This macronutrient forms the backbone of all organic molecules in microbes
Carbon
These organisms use carbon dioxide as their carbon source to make their own food.
Autotrophs
These microbes require oxygen to survive and grow
Obligate aerobes
These microbes grow best at moderate temperatures, like those in the human body.
What are mesophiles
This type of media supports the growth of many different kinds of microbes.
General purpose
Microbes obtain this element from ammonia or nitrates to build proteins and DNA.
Nitrogen
These organisms must consume organic molecules for carbon.
Heterotrophs
These microbes are harmed or killed by oxygen
obligate anaerobes
These microbes thrive in very acidic environments
What are acidophiles
This type of media allows only certain microbes to grow while inhibiting others
Selective
This micronutrient is part of ATP and nucleic acids and is obtained as phosphate
Phosphorus
These organisms use light as their primary energy source.
phototrophs
This toxic oxygen byproduct includes molecules like superoxide radicals.
reactive oxygen species
This is the process by which prokaryotic cells reproduce by splitting into two identical cells.
binary fission
This type of media shows visible differences between microbial species, often using color changes.
Differential
These elements, including sulfur and iron, are needed in small amounts for enzyme function.
Micronutrients
These organisms obtain energy from chemical compounds.
Chemotroph
This enzyme breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen
What is catalase?
These microbes thrive under high-pressure conditions, such as deep ocean environments
barophiles
This sterilization method uses high heat and pressure to kill all microorganisms.
Autoclaving
Microbes use this micronutrient in electron transport chains to produce energy.
Iron
This type of organism uses light for energy AND carbon dioxide for carbon
Photoautotroph
These microbes can grow with or without oxygen but prefer oxygen when it is available.
What are facultative anaerobes?
This is the phase of microbial growth where cells divide rapidly and population increases exponentially.
Log phase
This factor refers to how long a disinfectant is in contact with microbes and affects its effectiveness
Exposure time