Which growth factor is critical for the survival of certain bacteria?

Organic growth factors are essential for the survival of certain bacteria because these factors include a variety of organic compounds that bacteria cannot synthesize on their own. Examples of organic growth factors include vitamins, amino acids, and nucleotides. Some bacteria have specific nutritional requirements and rely on these organic substances to facilitate metabolic processes, reproduce, and maintain cellular functions.

In contrast, inorganic salts play a role in providing ions needed for enzymatic activities and cellular structures but do not directly support growth as organic factors do. Temperature regulation is critical for bacterial growth because it influences metabolic rates and overall growth; however, it does not provide the necessary nutrients bacteria need. The presence of antibiotics, on the other hand, typically inhibits bacterial growth and may even kill bacteria, rather than support their survival. Thus, the role of organic growth factors in providing essential nutrients is pivotal for certain bacterial survival.