Which term describes bacteria that thrive in acidic environments?

Which term describes bacteria that thrive in acidic environments?

• A. Alkaliphilic bacteria
• B. Halophilic bacteria
• C. Aciduric bacteria
• D. Thermophilic bacteria

Answer: (C)

Acid tolerance is the key idea. Alkaliphilic bacteria prefer basic environments, halophilic bacteria favor high salt, and thermophilic bacteria thrive at high temperatures. The term aciduric describes bacteria that can endure acidic environments, surviving and remaining active when the pH is low. In the oral environment, aciduric bacteria persist after sugar metabolism lowers pH, contributing to caries. So aciduric is the best fit for bacteria that thrive in acidic environments.

Acid tolerance is the key idea. Alkaliphilic bacteria prefer basic environments, halophilic bacteria favor high salt, and thermophilic bacteria thrive at high temperatures. The term aciduric describes bacteria that can endure acidic environments, surviving and remaining active when the pH is low. In the oral environment, aciduric bacteria persist after sugar metabolism lowers pH, contributing to caries. So aciduric is the best fit for bacteria that thrive in acidic environments.