Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

microaerophile

Noun

/ˌmaɪkroʊˈɛr.əˌfaɪl/

Definition

A microaerophile is an organism that requires a low concentration of oxygen for growth and survival.

Examples

The bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a well-known microaerophile that can be found in the stomach.
Microaerophilic conditions are often created in laboratory settings to culture specific types of bacteria.
Some yeast species are microaerophiles, requiring limited oxygen for fermentation processes.

Meaning

Microaerophiles thrive in environments where oxygen levels are lower than those in the atmosphere, making them distinct from aerobic and anaerobic organisms.