What kind of bacteria does not need oxygen to survive?

Anaerobic bacteria are those that do not require oxygen for survival. In fact, they thrive in environments devoid of oxygen and may even find its presence detrimental to their growth. These bacteria often rely on fermentation or anaerobic respiration processes to generate energy. This characteristic is essential in various contexts, including food safety and preservation, as anaerobic conditions can lead to the production of harmful toxins or spoilage organisms, such as those responsible for certain types of foodborne illnesses.

In contrast, aerobic bacteria thrive in the presence of oxygen, using it for respiration. Facultative bacteria can adapt to both anaerobic and aerobic conditions, utilizing oxygen when it is present but being capable of surviving without it if necessary. Microaerobic bacteria require oxygen to survive but only in lower concentrations than what is found in the atmosphere. Understanding these distinctions is critical in managing food safety, especially in preventing the growth of harmful bacteria in food products.