What type of microorganism requires oxygen but is inhibited by high concentrations of oxygen?

Microaerophiles are microorganisms that thrive in environments with low levels of oxygen, typically requiring oxygen levels between 2-10%, which is lower than the atmospheric concentration of about 21%. This specific oxygen requirement is crucial for their metabolism, as they often rely on oxygen for respiration but cannot survive in high concentrations due to the potential for oxygen toxicity, which can damage cellular components.

These organisms utilize oxygen for energy production in a way that is adapted to their specific needs, contrasting with obligate aerobes, which require atmospheric levels of oxygen, and facultative anaerobes, which can switch between aerobic respiration and fermentation based on oxygen availability. Anaerobes, on the other hand, do not require oxygen at all for their growth. The unique characteristic of microaerophiles specifies their need for a reduced oxygen environment, allowing them to perform necessary metabolic functions without the detrimental effects of high oxygen levels.