Multiple Choice
Which food is at a temperature that allows bacteria to grow well (i.e., within the temperature danger zone of to )?
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10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth
Temperature Requirements for Microbial Growth
Multiple Choice
Most human pathogens (mesophiles) grow best within which temperature range?
A
20–45 °C
B
80–110 °C
C
45–80 °C
D
0–15 °C
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the term 'mesophiles': these are microorganisms that thrive at moderate temperature ranges, typically those that include the human body temperature.
Recall that human pathogens are mostly mesophiles because they grow best at temperatures close to the human body's internal temperature, which is approximately 37 °C.
Identify the temperature ranges given in the options and compare them to the typical growth range of mesophiles, which is generally between 20 °C and 45 °C.
Eliminate options that represent temperature ranges too low (0–15 °C) or too high (45–80 °C and 80–110 °C) for mesophilic growth, as these correspond to psychrophiles and thermophiles respectively.
Conclude that the temperature range 20–45 °C is the most suitable for the growth of most human pathogens (mesophiles).
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