Obligate aerobes

Definition

Obligate aerobes are organisms that require oxygen for cellular respiration. They depend on oxygen to generate ATP through aerobic metabolism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Obligate aerobes cannot survive without oxygen as they rely on it for energy production.
2. Many fungi, including some pathogenic species, are obligate aerobes.
3. These organisms typically grow in environments rich in oxygen, such as soil and decaying organic matter.
4. Obligate aerobes produce more ATP per glucose molecule compared to anaerobic organisms because of their efficient use of the electron transport chain.
5. They have specific enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase to neutralize toxic forms of oxygen.

Review Questions

• Why can't obligate aerobes survive in an environment lacking oxygen?
• What role do enzymes like superoxide dismutase and catalase play in obligate aerobes?
• Can you name a fungal species that is an obligate aerobe?

Related terms

Facultative Anaerobes:

Organisms that can switch between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism depending on the presence of oxygen.

Microaerophiles: Organisms that require low levels of oxygen for growth but are inhibited by atmospheric concentrations.

Anaerobes: Organisms that do not require oxygen for growth and may even be killed by its presence.