Summary
Bacteria are aerobes, anaerobes or facultative, and may be phototrophs or chemotrophs.
In depth
Obligate aerobes need oxygen; obligate anaerobes are poisoned by it; facultative anaerobes switch (E. coli). Photoautotrophs include cyanobacteria; chemoheterotrophs use organic compounds. Fermenters and anaerobic respirers use other electron acceptors.
Nutritional categories: photoautotrophs, photoheterotrophs, chemoautotrophs, chemoheterotrophs. Oxygen tolerance classifies lifestyle.
Remember: cyanobacteria photosynthesise like plants.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bacterial Metabolism?
Bacteria are aerobes, anaerobes or facultative, and may be phototrophs or chemotrophs.
Which area of biology covers Bacterial Metabolism, and how advanced is it?
Bacterial Metabolism is one of the 54 topics in Microbiology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria, Microorganisms, Bacterial Secretion Systems.
Can you give an example of Bacterial Metabolism?
Clostridium tetani grows in deep dirty wounds without oxygen.
What should I learn before Bacterial Metabolism?
Work through the Beginner topics in Microbiology first, such as Microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea, then return to Bacterial Metabolism. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Bacterial Metabolism?
The closest topics to Bacterial Metabolism are Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria, Microorganisms, Bacterial Secretion Systems, Chemolithotrophy. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Bacterial Metabolism?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Bacterial Metabolism. To practise the whole of Microbiology, use the Microbiology quiz.
How is Bacterial Metabolism different from Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria?
Bacterial Metabolism: Bacteria are aerobes, anaerobes or facultative, and may be phototrophs or chemotrophs. Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria: Rhizobium and others convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia for plants. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Bacterial Metabolism step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.