Textbook Question
Calculate the decimal reduction time (D) for the two temperatures in the following graph.
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10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth
Temperature Requirements for Microbial Growth
Multiple Choice
At approximately 41°C, which group of bacteria is most likely to stop growing due to exceeding their optimal temperature range?
A
Hyperthermophiles
B
Mesophiles
C
Thermophiles
D
Psychrophiles
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the temperature ranges for each bacterial group: Psychrophiles thrive at cold temperatures (typically below 20°C), Mesophiles prefer moderate temperatures (around 20°C to 45°C), Thermophiles grow best at higher temperatures (around 45°C to 80°C), and Hyperthermophiles thrive at very high temperatures (above 80°C).
Identify the given temperature in the problem, which is approximately 41°C, and compare it to the optimal growth ranges of each bacterial group.
Recognize that 41°C is near the upper limit of the mesophiles' optimal temperature range, meaning temperatures above this can inhibit their growth.
Note that thermophiles and hyperthermophiles have optimal growth temperatures higher than 41°C, so they are unlikely to stop growing at this temperature.
Conclude that mesophiles are the group most likely to stop growing at approximately 41°C because this temperature exceeds their optimal range.
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