Final answer:
When a bacterium is grown at temperatures below optimum, the growth curve is affected with a longer lag phase, decreased growth rate, and potentially delayed death phase.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a bacterium is grown at temperatures slightly below optimum, the shape of the growth curve will be affected. Normally, the growth curve of a bacterium follows a pattern of lag phase, exponential growth phase, stationary phase, and death phase. However, when the bacterium is grown at temperatures below optimum, the growth rate will be slower, resulting in a longer lag phase and a decreased growth rate during the exponential phase. Additionally, the stationary phase may last longer, and the death phase may be delayed.
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