Aerobic organism

An aerobic organism or aerobe is an organism that can survive and grow in an oxygenated environment.

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.

C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6 O₂ + 38 ADP + 38 phosphate â†' 6 CO₂ + 6 H₂O + 38 ATP

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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