Question

when an aerobe and an anaerobe are grown in two separate broth tubes, the aerobic bacteria thrive, but the anaerobe barely grow. when the two are combined into broth tubes both thrive. explain why this occurs.

Answer 1

When an aerobe and an anaerobe are grown in two separate broth tubes, the aerobic bacteria grows well because of the presence of oxygen in the broth. This oxygen presence is toxic to the anaerobic bacteria and hence they barely grow. Growth of anaerobic bacteria in a broth requires complete removal of oxygen.

When both aerobic and anaerobic organisms are combined in a broth tube, the aerobic bacteria first utilizes all the oxygen in the tube and generates an anaerobic condition. When this anaerobic condition is reached, the anaerobic bacteria begins to grow. This way both the organisms thrive in the broth tube.