Spoilage | The leftover that became a home
The leftover that became a home
Each type of microorganism has its own unique requirements for growth, but there are general conditions that most food-munching microbes need.
- Food: Each type—and species—of microbe thrives on different nutrients. Many bacteria thrive on proteins, such as meat; the fungi mold commonly grows on sugars and bread; and yeasts like simple sugars.
- Moisture or water: Yeasts, molds, and bacteria all need water; some need more than others. Molds, for example, grow at lower levels of water than most bacteria.
- Suitable temperature: Many microbes grow well at warm temperatures roughly equal to the inside of the human body.
- Exposure to air: Yeasts and molds need air to grow. Most bacteria that cause food spoilage also need air to grow. One exception is the Clostridium bacterium, which is a common cause of canned food spoilage because it does not need air...
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