Question

Which graph best represents the general rate at which bacteria reproduce?

Answer 1

A bacterial cell undergoes several transitional changes when cultured on a nutrient media. These changes can be categorized as phases of growth. During initial stages when the bacteria adjust in the new environment, the nutrient uptake is slow due to low metabolic rate. This phase is known as lag phase. As the metabolic rate increases the nutrient uptake increases along with it and the phase is known as log phase. When all the nutrient in the solution depletes the bacteria enters the stationary phase.