What are the differences between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria?

Basis of differentiation

Aerobic bacteria

Anaerobic bacteria

Definition

Aerobic microorganisms are organisms that need oxygen to survive 

Anaerobic bacteria are the microbes that are able to perform cellular respiration without oxygen

Final electron acceptors

Oxygen is the final electron acceptor 

Sulfur, nitrate, carbon dioxide, and sulfur are some of the final electron acceptors 

Toxicity to oxygen

Are not toxic to oxygen

Are highly toxic to oxygen

Efficiency of energy production 

Energy generation is high

Energy generation is low

Required media for microbial growth 

Requires oxygen-rich media

Obligate anaerobes require oxygen-free media for their growth

Presence of oxygen detoxifying enzymes 

Occurs in aerobic bacteria

Is not present in anaerobic bacteria 

Processes involved

TCA cycle, glycolysis, and electron transport chain

Glycolysis and fermentation

Types

Obligate aerobes, facultative aerobes, aerotolerant aerobes and microaerophiles

Obligate and facultative

Growth

Aerobic bacteria grow at the top of the test tube

Anaerobic bacteria grow at the bottom of the test tube