Final answer:
The microbial growth curve follows an order of: lag phase, log phase, deceleration phase, stationary phase, and death phase. This sequence helps in understanding and optimizing microbial growth for various biotechnological applications.
Step-by-step explanation:
The steps in a microbial growth curve, in order, are:
- Lag phase: The phase immediately after inoculation where there is no increase in the number of microbial cells. During this time, cells adjust to the new environment by enlarging and synthesizing proteins needed for growth.
- Log phase: Following the lag phase, cells enter a period of active division, known as the log phase or exponential growth phase. The number of cells increases exponentially during this time.
- Deceleration phase: The deceleration phase is characterized by a slowing down of the growth as conditions become less ideal for replication.
- Stationary phase: Growth ceases as the resources become depleted or waste products accumulate, leading to a balance between cell division and cell death.
- Death phase: The final phase is where the number of dying cells exceeds the number of new cells being produced.
Understanding these phases is critical for optimizing conditions for microbial growth in various applications, such as the production of biomasses or secondary metabolites like antibiotics.