What type of microorganism grows at refrigeration temperatures?

Psychrotrophs are the type of microorganisms that can grow at refrigeration temperatures. These organisms are particularly notable because they can thrive in cold environments, typically between 0°C and 7°C (32°F to 45°F), which allows them to spoil food stored in refrigerators. They play a significant role in food spoilage because they can metabolize and grow relatively well under these cooler conditions, leading to potential food safety issues.

In contrast, thermophiles thrive at high temperatures, usually above 45°C (113°F), making them unsuitable for growth in refrigeration. Mesophiles prefer moderate temperature ranges, typically between 20°C and 45°C (68°F to 113°F), and are not well-adapted to the cold environment of a refrigerator. Meanwhile, the term thermotrophs generally refers to organisms that can handle or require elevated temperatures for optimum growth, further reinforcing that they would not thrive in cooler conditions. Therefore, psychrotrophs are uniquely suited to grow at refrigeration temperatures, making them the correct answer.