Question:

What is true about Arithmetic and Geometric growth curves?

Show Hint

Think about how many daughter cells keep dividing after each cell division in each type of growth.
Updated On: Nov 12, 2026
  • Both are exponential.
  • Both are linear.
  • Arithmetic growth curve is linear while Geometric growth curve is exponential.
  • Arithmetic growth curve is exponential while Geometric growth curve is linear.
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept
Growth in cells can be arithmetic or geometric. The two types differ in how many daughter cells keep dividing.

Step 2: Arithmetic growth
Only one daughter cell keeps dividing, so a constant amount is added in each unit of time.
Length plotted against time is therefore a straight line, i.e. linear.

Step 3: Geometric growth
Both daughter cells keep dividing, so the size multiplies each time.
The curve rises exponentially after an initial lag phase.

Step 4: Compare the options
Only the option stating linear for arithmetic and exponential for geometric growth matches both facts.

Final Answer:
Arithmetic growth gives a linear curve and geometric growth gives an exponential curve. \[ \boxed{\text{(C) }\text{Arithmetic growth curve is linear while Geometric growth curve is exponential.}} \]
Was this answer helpful?
0
0