In a typical microbial growth curve in a closed system, the log phase is also referred to as which of the following phases?

• A. Stationary phase
• B. Lag phase
• C. Exponential phase
• D. Death phase

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a typical microbial growth curve in a closed system consists of several distinct phases: lag phase, log phase, stationary phase, and death phase.
2. Recognize that the lag phase is the initial period where microbes adapt to their environment but do not yet multiply significantly.
3. Know that the log phase, also called the exponential phase, is when microbes grow and divide at their maximum rate, leading to exponential increase in cell numbers.
4. Identify that the stationary phase occurs when nutrient depletion or waste accumulation slows growth, balancing cell division and death rates.
5. Recall that the death phase is when the number of dying cells exceeds the number of new cells formed, leading to a decline in the population.