Identify classes of microorganisms based on their energy requirements. Identify classes of microorganisms
based on their oxygen requirements. Cite at least three examples of each class of microorganisms.
Identify classes of microorganisms based on their pH requirements. Cite at least three examples of each class
of microorganisms.
Identify classes of microorganisms based on their temperature requirements. Cite at least three examples of
each class of microorganisms.
Since microbial activity and growth are manifestations of enzymatic action, and since the rates of
enzyme reactions increase with the increasing temperatures, the rate of microbial growth is temperature
dependent. Depending on the temperature range over which they grow, bacteria are classified as
Psychrophiles – bacteria grows in the temperature range -7 to 35℃ and has an optimum
temperature range of 20 to 30℃
example: Arthrobacter sp., Psychrobacter sp, Chryseobacterium greenlandensis
Mesophiles – bacteria grows in the temperature range 7 to 45℃ and has an optimum temperature
range of 30 to 40℃
example: Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli
Thermophiles – bacteria grow in either the absence or the presence of free oxy bacteria grows in
the temperature range 40 to 75℃ and has an optimum temperature range of 45 to 60℃
example: hermus aquaticus, Bacillus stearothermophilus, thermoplasma acidophilum, fungi
(Lee, 1995)
References
F, S. M. (2002). Bioprocess Engineering Basic Concepts. NJ: Prentice-Hall, Inc.