The table shows the pH ranges that support the growth of different bacteria. Bacteria pH range Salmonella 3.6–9.5 Listeria monocytogenes 4.2–9.6 Escherichia coli 4.3–9.0 What happens to these organisms at a pH of 3.7? A . Salmonella, Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli do not grow. B. Listeria monocytogenes grows. Salmonella and Escherichia coli do not grow. C. Salmonella grows. Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli do not grow. D. Escherichia coli grows. Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella do not grow.

Answer 1

To determine which bacteria can grow at a pH of 3.7, we need to look at the pH ranges provided for each bacterium:

• Salmonella: pH range 3.6–9.5
• Listeria monocytogenes: pH range 4.2–9.6
• Escherichia coli: pH range 4.3–9.0

A pH of 3.7 falls within the growth range of Salmonella (3.6–9.5) but is outside the growth ranges of both Listeria monocytogenes (4.2–9.6) and Escherichia coli (4.3–9.0).

Thus, the correct answer is C. Salmonella grows. Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli do not grow.