Lactic Acid Bacteria Such as Lactococcus

Question

Lactic acid bacteria such as Lactococcus
A) produce catalase.
B) are obligate fermenters.
C) require anaerobic environments.
D) use oxygen as a final electron acceptor.
E) are always pathogenic.

Accepted Answer

Lactic acid bacteria such as Lactococcus are obligate fermenters, meaning they do not require oxygen for metabolism and produce energy through the process of fermentation. They do not use oxygen as a final electron acceptor, but rather rely on an internal electron transport chain. They also do not produce catalase, which is an enzyme that breaks down hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, because their metabolism does not generate significant amounts of hydrogen peroxide. Finally, not all lactic acid bacteria are pathogenic; in fact, many are used in the production of fermented foods such as yogurt and cheese.