Which type of cell can live with or without oxygen?

The type of cell that can live with or without oxygen is classified as facultative anaerobes. These organisms have the remarkable ability to adapt to varying oxygen levels. They can utilize oxygen for aerobic respiration when it is available, allowing them to produce energy efficiently. However, in the absence of oxygen, they can switch to anaerobic respiration or fermentation to survive and generate energy, albeit less efficiently than they would under aerobic conditions.

This versatility gives facultative anaerobes a distinct advantage in fluctuating environments where oxygen availability may change. Many common bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, fall into this category, showcasing their ability to thrive in diverse habitats, including the human gut, where oxygen levels can be low.

Understanding this adaptability is crucial in microbiology, particularly in clinical settings, as it influences how infections caused by such organisms are treated and how laboratory cultures are maintained.