Cultures of a bacterial species were incubated on the shelf of a refrigerator (5°C), on a lab benchtop (25°C), on the shelf of a 37°C incubator, and on the shelf of a 50°C incubator. After incubation, there was no growth at 37°C or 50°C, slight growth on the benchtop, and abundant growth at refrigeration. What term could be used for this species?
A) halophile
B) mesophile
C) anaerobe
D) psychrophile

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The species is adapted to grow at low temperatures and is therefore a psychrophile. It cannot grow at higher temperatures (mesophilic and thermophilic range) and is not adapted to high salt concentrations (halophile). The growth pattern does not indicate any specific requirement for oxygen (anaerobe).

Cultures of a Bacterial Species Were Incubated on the Shelf