Question

In a typical bacterial growth curve, the phase in which cells adapt to growth condition and are metabolically active but not able to divide is:

• A. Stationary phase
• B. Lag phase
• C. Exponential phase
• D. Death phase

Hint:

Lag phase = Adaptation phase (active metabolism, no division)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The bacterial growth curve consists of four phases:
• Lag phase
• Exponential (log) phase
• Stationary phase
• Death phase

Step 1: Understand lag phase.
In lag phase:
• Cells adapt to new environment
• Synthesize enzymes and proteins
• Metabolically active
• Do not divide

Step 2: Compare with other phases.

• Exponential → rapid division
• Stationary → growth = death
• Death → decline in population

Step 3: Final conclusion.
Thus, the correct phase is: \[ Lag phase \]