Which of the following correctly lists the phases of a typical bacterial growth curve in a closed system, in the correct order?

• A. Log (exponential) phase, lag phase, stationary phase, death phase
• B. Lag phase, stationary phase, log (exponential) phase, death phase
• C. Lag phase, log (exponential) phase, stationary phase, death phase
• D. Lag phase, log (exponential) phase, death phase, stationary phase

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that a typical bacterial growth curve in a closed system consists of four main phases: lag phase, log (exponential) phase, stationary phase, and death phase.
2. Recognize that the lag phase is the initial period where bacteria adapt to their new environment and there is little to no cell division.
3. Next, the log (exponential) phase follows, characterized by rapid cell division and exponential increase in bacterial population.
4. After the log phase, the stationary phase occurs when nutrient depletion and waste accumulation slow growth, causing the rate of cell division to equal the rate of cell death.
5. Finally, the death phase happens when nutrients are exhausted and toxic wastes accumulate, leading to a decline in the number of viable cells.