Biology · Kingdom Prokaryote

Spirochetes are often anaerobic (or microaerophilic) because of the way their metabolism and cellular structure are adapted to survive.Many spirochetes (e.g., Treponema, Borrelia, Leptospira) are adapted to environments low in oxygen, such as:

Deep tissues

Muddy or waterlogged soil

Intestines of animals

Oral cavities and dental plaques

Because of this, they evolved to survive without needing oxygen, or needing very little.

This option is incorrect. Campylobacter is primarily an microaerophilic bacterium that thrives in low-oxygen environments, although some species can tolerate oxygen.

This option is incorrect. Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a facultative anaerobe, meaning it can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen.

This option is incorrect. Pseudomonas species are generally aerobic bacteria, requiring oxygen for growth.

This option is correct. Spirochetes are anaerobicMany spirochetes (e.g., Treponema, Borrelia, Leptospira) are adapted to environments low in oxygen, such as:

Deep tissues

Muddy or waterlogged soil

Intestines of animals

Oral cavities and dental plaques

Because of this, they evolved to survive without needing oxygen, or needing very little.