Bacteria can live in hotter and colder temperatures than humans, but they do best in a warm, moist, protein-rich environment that is pH neutral or slightly acidic. There are exceptions, however. Some bacteria thrive in extreme heat or cold, while others can survive under highly acidic or extremely salty conditions.
In which climate do microorganisms grow faster?
Bacteria grow most rapidly in the range of temperatures between 40 °F and 140 °F, doubling in number in as little as 20 minutes. This range of temperatures is often called the "Danger Zone." To learn more about the "Danger Zone" visit the Food Safety and Inspection Service fact sheet titled Danger Zone.
What temperature do organisms grow best?
Organisms can be classified according to their optimum growth temperature.:
- PSYCHROPHILES grow best between -5oC and 20oC,
- MESOPHILES grow best between 20oC and 45oC and.
- THERMOPHILES grow best at temperatures above 45oC.
- THERMODURIC organisms can survive high temperatures but don't grow well at such temperatures.
