Summary
A graph of bacterial number over time with lag, log, stationary and death phases.
In depth
Lag: cells adapt and synthesise enzymes. Log: exponential growth. Stationary: growth equals death as nutrients become scarce or waste builds up. Death: decline. Count methods include viable plate counts, turbidity and direct microscopy.
Antibiotics that stop wall synthesis kill best in the log phase.
Doubling time is from the exponential phase. Viable counts and turbidity may differ. Antibiotics act best on growing cells.
Key idea: batch culture eventually runs out of nutrients.
Frequently asked questions
What is Growth Curve?
A graph of bacterial number over time with lag, log, stationary and death phases.
Which area of biology covers Growth Curve, and how advanced is it?
Growth Curve is one of the 54 topics in Microbiology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Bacterial Cell Wall, Antibiotics, Conjugation.
Can you give an example of Growth Curve?
Bacterial secondary metabolites like penicillin are often made in stationary phase.
What should I learn before Growth Curve?
Work through the Beginner topics in Microbiology first, such as Microorganisms, Bacteria, Archaea, then return to Growth Curve. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Growth Curve?
The closest topics to Growth Curve are Bacterial Cell Wall, Antibiotics, Conjugation, Binary Fission. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Growth Curve?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Growth Curve. To practise the whole of Microbiology, use the Microbiology quiz.
How is Growth Curve different from Bacterial Cell Wall?
Growth Curve: A graph of bacterial number over time with lag, log, stationary and death phases. Bacterial Cell Wall: Peptidoglycan gives bacteria shape and strength; Gram-negative species add an outer membrane. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Growth Curve step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Bacterial Cell Wall and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Microbiology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.