Bacteria are single-celled, prokaryotic organisms that help break down organic matter and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Depending on the type of respiration, bacteria are classified as aerobic and anaerobic. Read on to learn the difference between the two.
What is Aerobic Bacteria?
Bacteria that grow in the presence of oxygen are called aerobic bacteria. They have the ability to detoxify oxygen with the help of enzymes.
The final electron acceptor is the oxygen molecule. Water is formed by the final electron acceptance. When in a liquid medium, they appear above the solution. Examples: Nocardia, Bacillus.
What is Anaerobic Bacteria?
Bacteria that grow without oxygen are called anaerobic bacteria. It has no ability to extract oxygen. The final electron acceptor is carbon dioxide, sulfur, fumarate or iron.
These bacteria produce substances such as acetate, methane, nitrates and sulphides. When in a liquid medium, they appear at the bottom of the solution. Examples: Bacteria, E.coli.
Difference Between Aerobic and Anaerobic Bacteria
| AEROBIC | ANAEROBIC |
| Need oxygen to survive | Do not require oxygen to survive |
| Produce more energy | Produce less energy |
| Molecular oxygen is the final electron acceptor | Carbon dioxide, sulfur, nitrate, fumarate or ferric is the final electron acceptor |
| Bacteria are seen on the surface of the liquid | Bacteria are settled at the bottom of the liquid |
| Example: Mycobacterium tuberculosis | Example: Clostridium |
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