what conditions are needed for microorganisms to grow?

Question

eg. water

Answer 1

You have to be more specific. Microorganisms grow in pretty much every condition on Earth, including hot and sulfurous ocean water by volcanic vents, in ice at the poles, in badly-preserved jars (botulism--anaerobic), inside the body, in ponds, in caves, in the dark, in the sunlight...it all depends on the specific type of microorganism.

For instance, sugar tends to kill bacteria, but mold loves sugar. So a jar of jelly left in a fridge for a long time (cold, wet, sugary environment for the microorganisms) might not have bacteria, but it could have fuzzy mold on it. It all depends.

But from a food safety standpoint, you want food kept either below 40 degrees fahrenheit, or above 140 degrees, and keep it wrapped up and covered to avoid stuff dropping in it. In general, microorganisms like: warm (not hot or cold), dark, moist, and somewhat neutral pH. That'll grow mold, mildew, fungus, and many types of bacteria. They usually don't like clean surfaces and they tend to die in chlorine bleach.

Answer 2

It depends on the type of micro organisms you want to grow. For example many types of bacteria prefer warm moist nutrient rich environments with low light conditions and little to no oxygen (anaerobic bacteria), but their are some that prefer oxygen rich environments (aerobic bacteria).

Answer 3

it all depends on the specific organism-
most take air and moisture,
some require no air (anaerobic), acidic environment, etc
each one is different.

Answer 4

wet humid musty and dark condition