Which type of bacteria does not require oxygen to grow or survive?

Anaerobic bacteria are the correct answer because they are specifically defined by their ability to grow and survive in environments where oxygen is not present. These bacteria utilize fermentation or anaerobic respiration for energy production, which allows them to thrive in oxygen-depleted environments, such as deep wounds or certain parts of the human gut.

Anaerobic bacteria are important in many contexts, including the human microbiome, where they play essential roles in digestion and maintaining health. Understanding this distinction is crucial for estheticians, as it can help in recognizing and managing infections that may arise in skin treatments, especially those involving deeper layers of skin or bodily fluids.

Aerobic bacteria, on the other hand, require oxygen for their growth and metabolism. Pathogenic bacteria can be either aerobic or anaerobic; they are defined by their potential to cause disease rather than their oxygen requirements. Facultative anaerobic bacteria can grow in both the presence and absence of oxygen, adapting their metabolism based on the availability of oxygen, which is different from purely anaerobic bacteria that can only survive without it.