Open Question
The optimum pH of Acidithiobacillus bacteria (pH 3) is _______________ times more acid than blood (pH 7).
a. 4
b. 10
c. 100
d. 1000
e. 10,000
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth
pH Requirements for Microbial Growth
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A bacterium that thrives in your stomach is probably a(n):
A
Psychrophile.
B
Neutrophile.
C
Alkaliphile.
D
Acidophile.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the environment of the stomach: The human stomach is a highly acidic environment, with a pH typically ranging from 1.5 to 3.5 due to the presence of gastric acid.
Define the term 'Acidophile': Acidophiles are microorganisms that thrive in acidic environments, usually at a pH below 5. These organisms have adapted to survive and grow in conditions that are inhospitable to most other life forms.
Consider the characteristics of other options: Psychrophiles prefer cold environments, neutrophiles thrive in neutral pH environments (around pH 7), and alkaliphiles prefer basic or alkaline conditions (pH above 8).
Match the bacterium's environment with its classification: Since the stomach is acidic, a bacterium that thrives there would likely be an acidophile, as it is adapted to survive in low pH conditions.
Conclude that the bacterium is an acidophile: Based on the acidic nature of the stomach and the definition of an acidophile, the bacterium that thrives in the stomach is most likely an acidophile.
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