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Multiple Choice
Organisms that require gaseous oxygen for metabolism are referred to as:
A
Obligate anaerobes
B
Facultative anaerobes
C
Obligate aerobes
D
Photoautotrophs
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the key terms in the problem: 'gaseous oxygen for metabolism' refers to organisms that rely on oxygen to produce energy through cellular respiration.
Review the definitions of the provided terms: 'Obligate anaerobes' are organisms that cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. 'Facultative anaerobes' can survive with or without oxygen, switching between aerobic and anaerobic metabolism. 'Obligate aerobes' require oxygen for survival and metabolism. 'Photoautotrophs' are organisms that use light energy to synthesize organic compounds but may or may not require oxygen.
Identify the correct term based on the requirement for oxygen: Since the question specifies organisms that require oxygen for metabolism, eliminate options that do not fit this criterion (e.g., obligate anaerobes and facultative anaerobes).
Focus on the remaining options: Compare 'Obligate aerobes' and 'Photoautotrophs.' While photoautotrophs use light for energy, they are not necessarily dependent on oxygen for metabolism. Obligate aerobes, however, specifically require oxygen.
Conclude that the correct answer is 'Obligate aerobes,' as they are the organisms that depend on gaseous oxygen for their metabolic processes.