Aerobic organism
An aerobic organism or aerobe is an organism that can survive and grow in an oxygenated environment.[1]
Types
- Obligate aerobes need oxygen to grow. In a process known as cellular respiration, these organisms use oxygen to oxidize substrates (for example sugars and fats) and generate energy.
- Facultative anaerobes use oxygen if it is available, but also have anaerobic methods of energy production.
- Microaerophiles require oxygen for energy production, but are harmed by atmospheric concentrations of oxygen (21% O2).
- Aerotolerant anaerobes do not use oxygen but are not harmed by it.
Glucose
A good example would be the oxidation of glucose (a monosaccharide) in aerobic respiration.
Oxygen is used during the oxidation of glucose and water is produced.
This equation is a summary of what actually happens in three series of biochemical reactions: glycolysis, the Krebs cycle, and oxidative phosphorylation.
See also
- Aerobic digestion
- Anaerobic digestion
- Facultative anaerobic organism
- Fermentation (biochemistry)
- Microaerophile
- Obligate anaerobe
References
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