Anaerobic organism
Okay kiddo, so you know how we humans need to breathe in oxygen to survive, right? Well some tiny organisms, like bacteria, can actually survive without oxygen. These are called "anaerobic organisms".
Instead of oxygen, they use other things called "anaerobic respiration pathways" to create energy for themselves. Basically, they break down different molecules in their environment and turn them into energy they can use to stay alive.
Some anaerobic organisms can even be harmful to us, like Clostridium tetani which causes tetanus, or the bacteria that causes gangrene. However, some anaerobic organisms are helpful to us, like the bacteria in our digestive tract that help us break down food.
So while us humans need oxygen to survive, there are tiny organisms out there that can get by without it. Pretty cool, huh?
Instead of oxygen, they use other things called "anaerobic respiration pathways" to create energy for themselves. Basically, they break down different molecules in their environment and turn them into energy they can use to stay alive.
Some anaerobic organisms can even be harmful to us, like Clostridium tetani which causes tetanus, or the bacteria that causes gangrene. However, some anaerobic organisms are helpful to us, like the bacteria in our digestive tract that help us break down food.
So while us humans need oxygen to survive, there are tiny organisms out there that can get by without it. Pretty cool, huh?