Certified Professional Food Safety (CP-FS) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Professional Food Safety Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations to ensure you're ready for the test!

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Which characteristic applies to facultative bacteria?

Completely dependent on oxygen
Incapable of survival without oxygen
Can adapt to both aerobic and anaerobic conditions
Only thrive in anaerobic conditions

The correct answer is: Can adapt to both aerobic and anaerobic conditions

Facultative bacteria are defined by their ability to survive and grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen. This adaptability allows them to utilize aerobic respiration when oxygen is available, which is generally more efficient for energy production. Conversely, when oxygen is scarce or absent, facultative bacteria can switch to anaerobic processes, such as fermentation, to generate energy. This versatility is a significant characteristic of facultative bacteria, enabling them to thrive in a variety of environments and conditions that may vary in oxygen availability. This ability to utilize both aerobic and anaerobic metabolic pathways makes them an important group of bacteria in many ecological and industrial contexts.