Question

You are measuring growth in a bacterial culture. The number of viable cells remains constant, and when you check the medium, you find that the carbon source has been used up. What phase of growth is the culture in

Answer 1

Based on the information provided, the bacterial culture is likely in the stationary phase of growth. During this phase, the number of viable cells remains relatively constant as the growth rate slows down and cell division is balanced by cell death. The stationary phase occurs when the nutrients, such as the carbon source, become depleted in the medium, limiting further growth of the bacterial population. It is worth noting that in the stationary phase, although the overall cell number remains constant, individual cells may still be metabolically active and carry out various functions, but the population size does not increase.

Hope it helps