In the context of microbial growth curves in a closed system, which category of diagnosis is represented by studying a microbe's utilization of nutrients?

• A. Genetic diagnosis
• B. Morphological diagnosis
• C. Physiological diagnosis
• D. Immunological diagnosis

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that microbial growth curves represent changes in microbial population over time in a closed system, reflecting phases like lag, exponential, stationary, and death.
2. Recognize that studying a microbe's utilization of nutrients involves examining its metabolic activities and physiological functions, which relate to how the organism processes and uses different substrates.
3. Differentiate between the types of diagnosis: Genetic diagnosis focuses on DNA and gene analysis; Morphological diagnosis looks at cell shape and structure; Immunological diagnosis involves immune responses and antigen-antibody interactions.
4. Identify that Physiological diagnosis pertains to the functional characteristics of microbes, including nutrient utilization, enzyme activity, and metabolic pathways.
5. Conclude that since nutrient utilization is a functional trait, studying it falls under Physiological diagnosis.