How is a growth curve of microorganisms shaped? What happens during the different phases?


The growth of most microorganisms can be divided into four different phases:Lag phase - Small populations start to replicate slowly. Replication is 'lagging' as microorganisms are adapting to conditions.Log/ exponential phase - Microorganisms begin to replicate rapidly in favourable conditions. Food and space are abundant.Stationary phase - Growth and death rate are equal (no net growth). Food becomes sparse and space is limited. Waste products build up.Death phase - Death rate is greater than growth rate (number of viable cells decreases), food is depleted, waste products build up even more.

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What does an oxygen-haemoglobin dissociation curve show?


Why does the thermal stability of Group 2 carbonates increase down the group?


How are action potentials transmitted from one nerve to another?


How is mRNA produced in the nucleus of a cell?