What are obligate anaerobes?
1 Answer
Obligate anaerobes are bacteria that must live in an environment devoid of oxygen. Oxygen is toxic to obligate anaerobes and will kill them.
Explanation:
An example of an obligate anaerobe is Clostridium tetani , which causes tetanus. Clostridium tetani form spores that allow them to lie dormant in unfavorable environments. If a person receives a puncture wound in which C. tetani spores are present, the bacteria will be able to become active due to the fact that a deep wound with dead cells will form an anaerobic environment. C. tetani produces two toxins, and can cause death.
