_____________ microbes use oxygen in metabolism, while _____________ do not.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the two main categories of microbes based on their oxygen requirements: aerobes and anaerobes.
2. Understand that aerobes are microbes that require oxygen for their metabolic processes.
3. Recognize that anaerobes are microbes that do not use oxygen for metabolism and may even be harmed by it.
4. Consider the subcategories of anaerobes, such as obligate anaerobes, which cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, and facultative anaerobes, which can use oxygen but also can grow without it.
5. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate terms: 'aerobic' for microbes that use oxygen and 'anaerobic' for those that do not.

Key Concepts

Aerobic Microbes

Aerobic microbes are organisms that require oxygen for their metabolic processes. They utilize oxygen to efficiently convert substrates into energy through cellular respiration, producing carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Common examples include many bacteria, fungi, and protists that thrive in oxygen-rich environments.

Anaerobic Microbes

Anaerobic microbes are organisms that do not require oxygen for their metabolism and may even find it toxic. They obtain energy through anaerobic respiration or fermentation, using alternative electron acceptors such as nitrate or sulfate, or by breaking down organic compounds without oxygen. Examples include certain bacteria found in deep soil, sediments, and the human gut.

Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the set of life-sustaining chemical reactions in organisms that convert food into energy and building blocks for growth. It encompasses both catabolic processes, which break down molecules to release energy, and anabolic processes, which use energy to construct cellular components. Understanding metabolism is crucial for distinguishing between aerobic and anaerobic organisms.