The phase of the bacterial growth curve in which the rate of cell division equals the rate of cell death is the ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the stationary phase, the growth rate of bacteria slows down due to the depletion of nutrients and the accumulation of waste products. As a result, the rate of cell division equals the rate of cell death, leading to a stable population size. Therefore, choice C is the correct option.

Option A (lag phase) is the initial phase of bacterial growth, where cells are metabolically active, but not yet dividing.

Option B (log phase) is the phase of bacterial growth marked by exponential growth as cells divide rapidly, leading to a logarithmic increase in cell numbers.

Option D (death phase) is the phase of bacterial growth where the number of dying cells exceeds the number of dividing cells, leading to a decline in the population size.

Option E (telophase) is a stage of mitosis in eukaryotic cells, not applicable to bacterial growth curve.

The Phase of the Bacterial Growth Curve in Which the Rate