Final answer:
Acne bacteria, such as Propionibacterium acnes, cannot survive in the presence of oxygen due to their anaerobic nature. Oxygen is lethal to these bacteria because they lack cellular defenses against oxidative stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acne bacteria, specifically Propionibacterium acnes, are anaerobic, which means they cannot survive in the presence of oxygen. These bacteria lack the enzymes needed to protect themselves from oxygen free radicals and are unable to grow or reproduce in the presence of atmospheric levels of oxygen. The presence of oxygen can be lethal to acne bacteria.