Question

If a bacterial cell culture contains 2 cells at time zero, 8 cells one hour later, 32 cells after 2 hours, and 128 cells after 4 hours, then which of the following describes the growth of this culture?

A) g = 0.5 h, v = 5 h^-1
B) g = 0.5 h, v = 2 h^-1
C) g = 2 h, v = 0.5 h^-1
D) g = 1 h, v = 1^-1

Answer 1

B) g = 0.5 h, v = 2 h^-1

Step-by-step explanation:

Generation time is the time taken for a bacterial cell to divide and produce an offspring. Bacterial cells divide exponentially.

The total number of cells is given as =2n x initial number

[n = number of generations]

So if the total is 8 cells:

8=2n x 2

2n=4

n=2

That means 2 generations have arose

Generation time is given as
`(t)/(n)`

where t=the time taken

if t=1hour and n=2

Generation time =
`(1)/(2)` = 0.5hour

Generation time, g =0.5h, and the rate of generation (growth rate), v is 2 per hour