Does bacteria grow better with a warmer temperature?
1. It really depends on the microbe, some grow best at very warm temperatures (thermophiles) while others grow better at cool temperatures. But, generally speaking warm temperatures are better for microbial growth. Most of the time, when temperatures become cooler, the metabolism (its ability to maintain life functions and continue reproduction) of the microbes slows. When the temperature is too cold the microbes become dormant (a state of ceased metabolism) until the temperature rises again. This is why we refrigerate food items, the coolness of the refrigerator slows the growth of the microorganisms, but refrigeration does not kill all microbes which is why foods eventually spoil, even in the refrigerator.
