What are the phases of bacteria growth?

The phases of bacteria growth, represented by the correct choice, encompass essential stages that bacteria undergo during their lifecycle in a suitable environment.

Initially, in the lag phase, bacteria acclimatize to their environment, preparing for active growth without an increase in numbers, as they adapt to conditions and gather nutrients. Following this is the log phase, characterized by exponential growth where bacteria divide at a constant and rapid rate, leading to a significant increase in population as conditions remain favorable.

As bacteria continue to grow, they enter the stationary phase. This phase occurs when nutrient depletion and waste accumulation begin to impact the growth, causing the rate of new cell production to balance with the rate of cell death, maintaining a relatively stable population.

Eventually, the bacteria reach the death phase, which signifies that the environment can no longer sustain the growing population due to the exhaustion of resources and buildup of toxins, leading to a decline in the number of viable cells.

Understanding these phases is crucial for food safety and hygiene in food handling, as it helps in determining how to manage the production, storage, and preservation of food to inhibit unwanted bacterial growth.