User:Bee.whyze/Anaerobic organism
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
An anaerobic organism or anaerobe is any organism that does not require oxygen for growth. It may react negatively or even die if free oxygen is present. In contrast, an aerobic organism (aerobe) is an organism that requires an oxygenated environment. Anaerobes may be unicellular (e.g. protozoans[1], bacteria[2]) or multicellular[3] (e.g. plants, animals). Most fungi are obligate aerobes, requiring oxygen to survive, however some species, such as the Chytridiomycota that reside in the rumen of cattle, are obligate anaerobes; for these species, anaerobic respiration is used because oxygen will disrupt their metabolism or kill them. Areas of the human body can house anaerobic organisms, but unwanted anaerobic organisms can cause anaerobic infections. Anoxic environments are areas that lack oxygen and anaerobic organisms can thrive.
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