Chapter 7, Problem 1.1SC

What are the differences between the lag phase and the log phase of a bacterial growth curve?

Summary Introduction

To describe: The difference between the lag phase and the log phase of a bacterial growth curve.

Introduction: The bacteria is the unicellular prokaryotic organism that maintains a definite shape since it contains the rigid cell wall. It is classified into different types based on the structure namely coccus (spherical shaped), Bacillus (rod-shaped), filamentous, spirilla (spiral-shaped), appendaged and pleomorphic bacteria. The structure of the bacteria can be viewed under the microscope by using the staining methods.

Explanation of Solution

The difference between the lag phase and log phase is described as follows:

Lag phase	Log phase
It is the first phase of growth curve.	It is the second phase of growth curve.
In the lag phase, the organism do not increases in number. They are only metabolically active and grow in size, synthesize enzymes.	In this stage, the micro-organism growth occurs at an exponential or logarithmic rate.
The length of the lag phase depends on the bacterial species and conditions of media.	The growth rate of the organism is determined by interval called as generation time.