Which phase of the bacterial growth curve in a closed system is characterized by rapid cell division and exponential increase in cell number?

• A. Stationary phase
• B. Death phase
• C. Log (exponential) phase
• D. Lag phase

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the bacterial growth curve phases: Lag phase, Log (exponential) phase, Stationary phase, and Death phase.
2. Recall that during the Lag phase, bacteria are metabolically active but not dividing rapidly as they adapt to the new environment.
3. Identify that the Log (exponential) phase is when bacteria undergo rapid cell division, leading to an exponential increase in cell number.
4. Note that the Stationary phase occurs when nutrient depletion and waste accumulation slow growth, balancing cell division and death.
5. Recognize that the Death phase is characterized by a decline in viable cell numbers due to unfavorable conditions.