Optimal Temperature for Bacillus cereus Growth

A research study was conducted to assess the effect of various temperatures on the growth of a particular species of bacteria, Bacillus cereus. The bacteria were exposed to five temperature conditions: 15°C, 25°C, 35°C, 45°C, and 55°C. Over a period of one week, the growth was measured daily by counting the number of colonies formed on agar plates, reporting the results in terms of colony-forming units (CFU).

The results indicated that the bacteria did not grow at 15°C and 55°C. The highest growth was observed at 35°C with a mean of 300 CFU, while at 25°C the mean was 150 CFU, and at 45°C it was 100 CFU. The researchers concluded that Bacillus cereus has an optimal growth temperature range.

Based on the collected data, which of the following conclusions can be drawn from the study?