mikroaerofilisiä

Mikroaerofilisiä refers to microorganisms that require a low concentration of oxygen for growth. This oxygen level is typically around 2-10%, which is lower than the 21% oxygen found in the Earth's atmosphere. These organisms cannot thrive in the absence of oxygen, nor can they tolerate the high oxygen concentrations found in ambient air.

The metabolic processes of microaerophiles are adapted to these specific oxygen conditions. While they use oxygen as a final electron acceptor in respiration, similar to aerobic organisms, their cellular machinery can be damaged by the reactive oxygen species that are more abundant at higher oxygen concentrations. Therefore, they have developed mechanisms to protect themselves from this oxidative stress.

Examples of microaerophilic bacteria include Helicobacter pylori, which is known to cause stomach ulcers, and Campylobacter jejuni, a common cause of foodborne illness. These bacteria are often found in environments with reduced oxygen, such as the gastrointestinal tract of animals. Culturing microaerophilic organisms in a laboratory setting requires specialized incubation conditions that provide the necessary low-oxygen, high-carbon dioxide atmosphere.