Difference Between Aerobic And Anaerobic Bacteria

Last Updated : 10 Jul, 2023

Aerobic and anaerobic bacteria are single-celled or non-cellular creatures in microbiology that are distinguished by their ability to reproduce via fission. They occur in a variety of shapes, the most common of which are spiral, rod, and spherical. Though they are frequently considered plants, the absence of chlorophyll distinguishes them from other plants. While the primary distinction between the two is that the former flourishes in an oxygenated environment and the latter in an oxygen-depleted one, there are additional distinctions that must be overlooked.

Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria

Characteristics

Aerobic

Anaerobic

Respiration

It needs oxygen to survive.

It doesn't need oxygen to survive.

Energy

It produces more energy.

It produces less energy.

Electron

In Aerobic bacteria, the final electron acceptor is Molecular oxygen.

In Anaerobic bacteria, the final electron acceptor is carbon dioxide, sulfur, nitrate, fumarate, or ferric.

Behavior with liquid

In Aerobic bacteria, the bacteria are seen on the surface of the liquid.

Anaerobic bacteria settle at the bottom of the liquid.

LocationAerobes can be found in a variety of environments, such as dirt and water.Anaerobes are found in places that lack oxygen or have low oxygen levels.
Final product of electron chain transportWaterAcetate like nitrate, sulfide etc.

Example

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Clostridium

What are Aerobic Bacteria?

Aerobic Bacteria are the types of bacteria that require oxygen for fundamental survival, growth, and reproduction. Isolating these germs is as simple as cultivating a large number of bacterial strains in a liquid medium. They come to the surface in search of the most oxygen available, since they need it to survive. Example of aerobic bacteria.

  • Bacillus
  • Nocardia

What are Anaerobic Bacteria?

Anaerobic Bacteria are bacteria that do not require oxygen to grow. They are also known as anaerobes. Aero-tolerant anaerobes, which can survive in the presence of oxygen, and obligatory anaerobes, which cannot survive in the presence of oxygen, are two forms of anaerobic organisms. Examples of anaerobic bacteria

  • Bacteroides
  • Escherichia coli

Fermentation is used by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria to make ATP, which is a key energy source for all living cells. Carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide are produced as byproducts. The distinction between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria is analogous to the distinction between symbiotic and parasitic interactions. Anaerobic bacteria benefit their hosts in low-oxygen environments such as hot springs or sinkholes. Aerobic bacteria, on the other hand, can be found in a variety of environments, including soil, water, and even the human intestines.

Conclusion

In conclusion, aerobic bacteria are those that require oxygen to carry out their metabolisms. They are in a large majority and makeup 75% of all the known types of bacteria. Most of them live on or near the surfaces of plant or animal life. Aerobic bacteria provide many benefits to their hosts, such as defense against other harmful organisms or nutrients for metabolism. On the other hand, anaerobic bacteria do not require oxygen to carry out their metabolisms, making them more common in low-oxygen conditions like hot springs and sinkholes.

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