The diagram shows a bacterial growth curve - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2008
Question c
The diagram shows a bacterial growth curve.
A and B represent the labels on the axes. What does each of them stand for?
What term is applied to the part of the cur... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:The diagram shows a bacterial growth curve - Leaving Cert Biology - Question c - 2008
Step 1
A and B represent the labels on the axes. What does each of them stand for?
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Answer
A represents the population size (or number) of bacteria, while B represents time.
Step 2
What term is applied to the part of the curve labelled x? What is happening during x?
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Answer
The part of the curve labelled x is known as the lag phase. During this phase, the bacteria are adapting to their environment and may have a low reproductive rate as they acclimatize.
Step 3
What term is applied to the part of the curve labelled y? What is happening during y?
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Answer
The part of the curve labelled y is referred to as the log or exponential phase. Here, the bacteria are reproducing rapidly, leading to a significant increase in population.
Step 4
Copy the diagram into your answer book and continue the curve to show the next phase. Explain why you have continued the curve in this way.
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Answer
To continue the curve, one would typically illustrate a plateau or decline phase. This is because as resources become limiting or waste products accumulate, the growth rate slows down, leading to either a flattening or falling curve.
Step 5
Distinguish between batch and continuous flow food processing using micro-organisms in the food industry.
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In batch processing, a fixed amount of nutrients is added at the beginning, and production is completed before the bioreactor is emptied. In contrast, continuous flow processing involves adding nutrients continuously into the bioreactor while the product is also removed continuously, ensuring a steady state of production.
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