This document discusses the nutritional requirements of bacteria. It states that bacteria require water, a source of carbon and nitrogen, and some inorganic salts to grow and multiply. Bacteria are classified based on their energy requirements, ability to synthesize metabolites, oxygen needs, temperature preferences, and sensitivity to environmental factors like pH, moisture, light and osmotic pressure. The major classifications include phototrophs, chemotrophs, autotrophs, heterotrophs, aerobes, anaerobes, facultative anaerobes, mesophiles and thermophiles. Most pathogenic bacteria grow best at 37°C and neutral pH. Drying and sunlight can kill many bacteria.