The log phase of a normal microbial growth curve is also referred to as the:

• A. exponential phase
• B. stationary phase
• C. death phase
• D. lag phase

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that the microbial growth curve consists of several distinct phases: lag phase, log (or exponential) phase, stationary phase, and death phase.
2. Recognize that during the lag phase, microbes are metabolically active but not yet dividing rapidly; they are adapting to their new environment.
3. Identify that the log phase is characterized by rapid, exponential cell division where the population size doubles at a constant rate.
4. Note 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 population.