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.

Answered by Biology tutor

2517 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What are the important similarities and differences between RNA and DNA?


How do you get from an a base like adenine to an enzyme/protein?


What is diffusion and what effects the rate at which it occurs?


What does sex linkage mean?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning