What is the Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Microorganisms?

The main difference between aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms lies in their ability to use oxygen for energy production. Aerobic microorganisms require oxygen to carry out their metabolic processes, while anaerobic microorganisms do not use oxygen and can even die if exposed to it. Here are some key differences between the two types of microorganisms:

• Oxygen requirement: Aerobic microorganisms need oxygen to survive and produce energy, while anaerobic microorganisms do not require oxygen and can survive in its absence.
• Energy production: Aerobic microorganisms tend to produce more energy compared to anaerobic microorganisms.
• Final electron acceptor: In aerobic microorganisms, molecular oxygen serves as the final electron acceptor, while in anaerobic microorganisms, it can be carbon dioxide, sulfur, fumarate, or ferric.
• Examples: Some examples of aerobic bacteria include E. Coli, Citrobacter, Klebsiella, Proteus, and Salmonella. Examples of anaerobic bacteria include Actinomyces, Bifidobacterium, Fusobacterium, Propionibacterium, Clostridium, and Bacteroides.

Aerobic microorganisms make up about 75% of all known types of bacteria. Facultative anaerobes are a type of anaerobic microorganisms that do not require oxygen but can survive when it is present. Obligate anaerobes, on the other hand, cannot survive when oxygen is introduced into their environment.

Comparative Table: Aerobic vs Anaerobic Microorganisms

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms:

Aerobic microorganisms need oxygen to survive and grow, while anaerobic microorganisms do not require oxygen and can even be killed by exposure to high concentrations of oxygen. Aerobic microorganisms produce more energy during respiration compared to anaerobic microorganisms, which produce less energy. The final electron acceptor in aerobic respiration is molecular oxygen, while in anaerobic respiration, it can be carbon dioxide, sulfur, fumarate, or ferric.