Question

Identify three environmental influences on microbial growth. How does each affect microbial distribution?

Answer 1

Answer:

1.Temperature

2.Moisture

3. PH: acidic or basic concentration

Explanation:

Different microorganism grow at different temperature. For example, many human-disease-causing microbes have an optimum temperature of 37C, and most of the bacteria do not grow at temperature higher than 45C. This means that any temperature lower than 45C will favor the growth of certain bacteria while higher temperature may cause death or reduction in the population of most. Hence, the effect of temperature on these organisms.

Water is required to dissolve the cell substances in microorganism just like higher animals.  while some can survive under an extremely dry condition, most can't and this could result in death or reduction in population.

PH, a measure of the hydrogen concentration in a solution for most microorganism is between 6-8, too much of acid or base could disrupt the activities of these organisms and a maintained range ensure an optimal survival.