Which of the following best predicts the effect of removal of oxygen from a facultative anaerobic organism's environment?
A) glucose consumption increases, while the growth rate decreases
B) glucose consumption and the growth rate both increase
C) glucose consumption decreases, while the growth rate increases
D) glucose consumption decreases, while the growth rate remains unchanged

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Facultative anaerobic organisms can switch between aerobic respiration (using oxygen) and anaerobic pathways (not using oxygen) for energy production. When oxygen is removed, these organisms shift to less efficient anaerobic pathways, like fermentation, to produce energy. This shift requires more glucose to generate the same amount of energy as aerobic respiration, leading to increased glucose consumption. However, because anaerobic pathways are less efficient at producing energy, the growth rate of the organism decreases.

Which of the Following Best Predicts the Effect of Removal