An example of purple photosynthetic bacteria metabolic flexibility is seen in Rhodospirillum rubrum using a "decision-making" process; in oxic conditions,the bacterium uses fermentation,photoheterotrophy,or photoautotrophy versus when oxygen is not present that the photosynthetic apparatus is used to grow chemoorganotrophically.

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Rhodospirillum rubrum uses its metabolic flexibility to adapt to environmental conditions, but the description is slightly inaccurate. In oxic conditions, it can use aerobic respiration, and under anoxic conditions, it can use photoheterotrophy or photoautotrophy. It does not use fermentation in oxic conditions as the primary mode of metabolism, nor does it grow chemoorganotrophically using the photosynthetic apparatus in the absence of oxygen.

An Example of Purple Photosynthetic Bacteria Metabolic Flexibility Is Seen