Activity in class week 3

1. Why is a human pathogen more likely a mesophile and not a psychrotroph?

Human pathogens grow best at body temperature, around 37°C. Mesophiles prefer this temperature range, while psychrotrophs grow better in cold, like in the fridge. That’s why most human pathogens are mesophiles.

2. Why is refrigeration one of the most common methods of preventing foodborne illness?

Refrigeration slows down the growth of mesophiles, which are the microbes that cause foodborne illness. It keeps food at low temperatures where these harmful bacteria can’t grow well.

Which group of these two microbe groups typically causes foodborne illness?

Mesophiles typically cause foodborne illness.

3. Why do foods spoil in the fridge? Which of these two microbe groups typically causes food spoilage?

Foods spoil in the fridge because psychrotrophs can still grow at cold temperatures. These microbes cause changes in smell, texture, and appearance. So, psychrotrophs usually cause food spoilage.

4. Can the same microbes that cause food spoilage also cause foodborne illness?

Sometimes, yes. Some microbes can cause both spoilage and illness, but many spoilage microbes just make food look or smell bad without causing sickness.

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