Question

Are prokaryotic cells aerobic?

Answer 1

Aerobes:

1. Organisms that grow in the presence of oxygen are called aerobes.
2. The final electron acceptor in aerobic bacteria is mostly molecular oxygen.
3. Water is produced from the final electron acceptor.
4. Examples of aerobic bacteria: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Bacillus, etc.

Prokaryotes:

1. Single-celled organisms lack a proper nucleus and other organelles.
2. Examples- bacteria, archaea, and cyanobacteria.
3. Most prokaryotes are facultative aerobes, that is, they can make ATP if oxygen is present or switch to fermentation if oxygen is absent.

Facultative aerobes:

1. Organisms that respire anaerobically under normal conditions.
2. However, they can respire aerobically when there is an availability of oxygen.
3. They can survive in the presence of oxygen.
4. Example- Rhodopseudomonas.