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According to the Wikipedia article at:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obligate_anaerobe

there are several reasons that obligate anaerobes are killed by oxygen. One common answer, that they do not have the protective enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase, is not true for some anaerobes. The article provide three alternative explanations, based on bacterial metabolic pathways.

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Does anaerobic respiration release energy?

Anaerobic respiration does release energy, but it only releases about 1/17 of the energy as aerobic respiration (2 ATP vs. 38 ATP generated). Some bacteria live entirely off of anaerobic respiration (oxygen might even kill them), but people cannot do so.


Explain the toxic effect of oxygen on strict anaerobes?

Strict anaerobic organisms die in the presence of oxygen because the presence of oxygen causes them to create superoxide. Superoxide is toxic and is dismantled in aerobes and facultative anaerobes by the presence of superoxide dismutase. However, strict anaerobes do not have this enzyme, leaving the cell with an accumulation of superoxide which will kill the organism.


How does benzoyl peroxide effectively eliminate bacteria on the skin?

Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen into the pores, which creates an environment that is not suitable for the growth of bacteria. This helps to kill the bacteria on the skin and reduce inflammation, making it an effective treatment for acne.


What Happens if cells do not get oxygen?

That depends on the type of cell. If the cell is anaerobic, like many types of bacteria, then absence of oxygen does nothing to them and they go about their business. If on the other hand the cell requires oxygen, like eukaryotes, then absence of oxygen will quickly kill the cell because it is unable to perform respiration.


Does pepper have the ability to kill bacteria?

Yes, pepper has antimicrobial properties that can help inhibit the growth of bacteria, but it is not a guaranteed method to kill all bacteria.

Related Questions

Is archaea aerobic or anaerobic?

it can be both depending on the conditions of the environment in which it lives.


What are five important uses of oxygen?

breaTHING, CHEMICAL REACTIONS, FIRE, kill anaerobic bacteria and life


Can you induce oxygen into water?

Yes. This is commonly done in processing sewage waste, where the material first passes through an anaerobic tank in order to kill off all the aerobic bacteria. It then passes through a aerobic tank, which in turn kills off all the anaerobic bacteria. This tank is vigorously aerated to dissolve air (oxygen) into the material. In a fish tank, a small 'bubbler' is used to induce oxygen into the water for the fish to breathe through their gills.


Does anaerobic respiration release energy?

Anaerobic respiration does release energy, but it only releases about 1/17 of the energy as aerobic respiration (2 ATP vs. 38 ATP generated). Some bacteria live entirely off of anaerobic respiration (oxygen might even kill them), but people cannot do so.


What sort of environment can bacteria live in?

It depends on the bacteria. Some need a lot of oxygen, some only a little and in some oxygen will kill them. While most bacteria live in a narrow range of pH, some will be able to live in higher or lower ranges.


Does aspirin kill bacteria?

No , aspirin does not kill Bacteria .


What is the importance of BOD in water quality management?

BOD is otherwise known as biochemical oxygen demand. It is important to water quality because it decreases the amount of oxygen to kill bacteria.


Can bacteria kill underwater animals?

Yes it can indirectly kill fish by consuming all the oxygen in a closed water system such as a pond. The water becomes anoxic (depleted of dissolved oxygen) and the fish and other marine life can no longer "breathe".


What can bacteria do that viruses cannot?

Bacteria can attack and kill cells. White blood cells can kill bacteria.


How does photocatalysts kill bacteria?

Photocatalysts can kill bacteria by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) when exposed to light. These ROS can damage the cell membranes and DNA of bacteria, ultimately leading to their death. Additionally, photocatalysts can create a hostile environment for bacteria by breaking down organic compounds into toxic byproducts.


Explain the toxic effect of oxygen on strict anaerobes?

Strict anaerobic organisms die in the presence of oxygen because the presence of oxygen causes them to create superoxide. Superoxide is toxic and is dismantled in aerobes and facultative anaerobes by the presence of superoxide dismutase. However, strict anaerobes do not have this enzyme, leaving the cell with an accumulation of superoxide which will kill the organism.


How does benzoyl peroxide effectively eliminate bacteria on the skin?

Benzoyl peroxide works by releasing oxygen into the pores, which creates an environment that is not suitable for the growth of bacteria. This helps to kill the bacteria on the skin and reduce inflammation, making it an effective treatment for acne.