Dental Assistant Practice Exam

Which type of microorganism requires oxygen to grow?

1. Aerobes

2. Anaerobes

3. Facultative anaerobes

4. Pathogenic bacteria

The correct answer is: Aerobes

Aerobes are microorganisms that require oxygen for their growth and metabolism. They utilize oxygen to perform cellular respiration, which allows them to efficiently convert nutrients into energy. This process produces ATP, which is essential for their survival and reproduction. In aerobic organisms, oxygen acts as the final electron acceptor in the electron transport chain, enabling them to generate a significant amount of energy. In contrast, anaerobes are microorganisms that thrive in environments devoid of oxygen. They rely on fermentation or other anaerobic processes to generate energy. Facultative anaerobes can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen, using aerobic respiration when oxygen is present and shifting to anaerobic processes when it is not available. While pathogenic bacteria can be aerobes or anaerobes, the requirement for oxygen specifically identifies them as aerobes in this context. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for infection control and treatment strategies in dental practices.