During which growth stage do bacteria reproduce rapidly?

During which growth stage do bacteria reproduce rapidly?

• A. Active stage
• B. Growth stage
• C. Dormant stage
• D. Inactive stage

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that bacteria multiply fastest when they are metabolically active and nutrients are abundant, which is the exponential (log) growth phase. In this period, cells are actively dividing by binary fission, so the population grows rapidly. The term described by “active stage” best conveys that high level of metabolic activity and rapid reproduction. Dormant or inactive stages imply little or no growth, and a generic “growth stage” could describe growth without emphasizing how quickly it occurs. Under ideal conditions, doubling times can be very short, allowing the population to surge quickly.

The main idea is that bacteria multiply fastest when they are metabolically active and nutrients are abundant, which is the exponential (log) growth phase. In this period, cells are actively dividing by binary fission, so the population grows rapidly. The term described by “active stage” best conveys that high level of metabolic activity and rapid reproduction. Dormant or inactive stages imply little or no growth, and a generic “growth stage” could describe growth without emphasizing how quickly it occurs. Under ideal conditions, doubling times can be very short, allowing the population to surge quickly.