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AAT Bioquest

What is the ideal temperature range for bacterial growth?

Posted February 22, 2024


Answer

The ideal temperature range for bacterial growth varies among different groups of bacteria. The optimum temperature for most of the pathogenic bacteria is 37°C, which is the same as the human body. 

Based on ideal temperature for growth, bacteria may be categorized into the following groups: 

  • Thermophiles: Heat-loving bacteria are called thermophiles. These bacteria can tolerate high temperatures and their ideal temperature range for growth is 55°C to 80°C.
  • Mesophiles: Mesophiles include bacteria that thrive in moderate temperatures that range from 25°C to 40°C. Most pathogenic bacteria are mesophiles. 
  • Psychrophiles: Psychrophiles are cold-loving microbes. They grow best at low temperatures ranges between 0°C and 20°C
Additional resources

Optimal Growth Temperature and Intergenic Distances in Bacteria, Archaea, and Plastids of Rhodophytic Branch

Temperature (°C, °F, K) Conversion Table

MycoLight™ Live Bacteria Fluorescence Imaging Kit