Topics:
Animal Refresher, Meat Science
Bacterial Growth Temperature Ranges
View Complete Answer & Explanation
Question (English)
Which of the following statements is/are true about optimum growth temperature of bacteria?
- Optimum growth temperature for psychrophilic bacteria is below 20°C
- Mesophilic bacteria grow well in 20–45°C temperature
- Thermophilic bacteria grow well above 45°C temperature
- All the above ✓ Correct
Explanation:
Correct Answer: All the above
All three statements are correct regarding bacterial growth temperature ranges.
Bacterial Classification by Growth Temperature
- Psychrophilic bacteria: Optimum growth below 20°C → responsible for bacterial spoilage in chilled/refrigerated meat
- Mesophilic bacteria: Optimum growth at 20–45°C → most common pathogens (e.g., Salmonella, E. coli) belong here
- Thermophilic bacteria: Optimum growth above 45°C → important in canning (e.g., Bacillus stearothermophilus, Clostridium thermosaccharolyticum)
Practical Application in Meat Preservation: Chilling (4°C) does not kill psychrophiles but slows their growth. Freezing (–18°C) stops all microbial growth. Hence chilling is for short-term and freezing for long-term preservation.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Refresher
This multiple choice question is from Animal Refresher, Meat Science. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Refresher to strengthen your preparation.
