How do anaerobic bacteria make it to their final destination?

In summary, the process of anerobic bacteria reaching their final destination involves different types of bacteria, such as strict aerobes, facultative anaerobes, microphiles, strict anaerobes, and oxygen resistant anaerobes. Some of these bacteria do not require an oxygen-free environment, while others have mechanisms to protect themselves against oxygen. The bacteria responsible for plaque can fall under any of these categories and can switch between aerobic and anaerobic growth. Some strict anaerobes can also produce spores, making them resistant to oxygen.
  • #1
nautica
How do anerobic bacteria make it to their final destination?

For example, Plaque must be built up around the gum line to allow anerobic bacteria to colonize. But, the environment before they get their consist of Oxygen. So how do they get there in the first place.

Nautica
 
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  • #2
You got many kind of aerobic/anaerobic system.

Strict aerobe: require oxygen and have only an oxygen respiratory chain.

Facultative anaerobe: can grow aerobically and anaerobically. These bacteria tend to produce acid when they are anaeorbically. Have an respiratory chain and other non-oxygen dependent energy producing mechanism

Microphiles: can grow in aerobic and anaeroic envriomenent but prefer low oxygen environment. Have an respiratory chain and other non-oxygen dependent energy producing mechanism. Some of their mechanism are sensitive to oxygen.

Strict Anaerobes: sensitive to oxygen during growth and have non-oxygen dependent energy producing mechanism.

Oxygen resistant anaerobes: identical to anaerobes but have mechansim to protect them against oxygen. They do not use oxygen. Most of the time they are referred to as facultative anaerobes.

Some of the bacteria producing plaque are oxygen resistant anaerobes therefore they do not require an oxygen-free environment. Facultative anaerobes also can cause plaque. They grow first aerobically then switch to anaerobic growth. Some strict anaerobes will produce spores making then resistant to oxygen. Oxygen does not kill them unless they start to utilize energy and grow.
 
  • #3
Thanks, I was under the understanding that they were non spore producing strict anerobes.

Nautica
 

1. How do anaerobic bacteria survive in environments without oxygen?

Anaerobic bacteria have evolved different metabolic pathways that allow them to survive and thrive in environments without oxygen. These pathways involve using alternative electron acceptors, such as nitrate or sulfate, instead of oxygen during respiration. Some anaerobic bacteria are also able to ferment organic compounds for energy without the need for oxygen.

2. How do anaerobic bacteria make it to their final destination?

Anaerobic bacteria move towards their final destination through a process called chemotaxis. This involves sensing and responding to chemical gradients in their environment, such as nutrients or toxins, to move towards a more favorable location. Some anaerobic bacteria also have flagella, which are long whip-like structures that help them to move towards their destination.

3. What is the role of anaerobic bacteria in the environment?

Anaerobic bacteria play important roles in various ecosystems. They are involved in processes such as decomposition, nitrogen fixation, and sulfur cycling. They also help to maintain the balance of nutrients and energy in the environment by breaking down organic matter and releasing essential nutrients for other organisms to use.

4. Can anaerobic bacteria cause harm to humans?

While some anaerobic bacteria are beneficial, others can cause harm to humans. For example, Clostridium botulinum is an anaerobic bacteria that produces a toxin that can cause botulism, a serious illness. Other anaerobic bacteria can also cause infections, such as dental infections, abscesses, and sepsis. However, these infections are usually treatable with antibiotics.

5. How do scientists study anaerobic bacteria?

Scientists study anaerobic bacteria in a variety of ways, including culturing them in the laboratory, using microscopy to observe their structure, and conducting genetic studies to understand their metabolic pathways. They also use molecular techniques, such as DNA sequencing, to identify and classify different species of anaerobic bacteria and study their evolutionary relationships.

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