Propionibacterium
A) produces propionic acid AND is responsible for the holes in Swiss cheese.
B) produces propionic acid AND requires aerobic environments.
C) produces lactic acid AND is responsible for the holes in Swiss cheese.
D) is responsible for the holes in Swiss cheese AND requires aerobic environments.
E) produces lactic acid AND is a Gram-negative organism.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Propionibacterium is a Gram-positive organism that produces propionic acid as its main end product of metabolism. It is also responsible for the holes in Swiss cheese, as it produces carbon dioxide during fermentation, which creates the characteristic holes in the cheese. Propionibacterium is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in both aerobic and anaerobic environments, but it thrives in anaerobic conditions.