1.

To determine growth rate, one can use generation time to describe growth rate in batch
culture. In order to do that, one must first calculate instantaneous growth rate from raw
(log N1 − log N 0 )(ln 10 )
data that represents exponential growth using the formula µ = .
t1 − t0
Note: N1 and N 0 are turbidity at times t1 and t 0 respectively must be chosen from
the exponential part of the growth curve. Generation time can then be calculated by
taking ln2 and dividing it by µ . Once you obtain the information it is not necessary to
repeat the procedure each time you want a growth curve growth curve is obtained from
raw data but if you want the growth rate, then you’ll have to calculate it each time you
have a new growth curve.

2. Generation time is the time span in which doubling of cell population occurs. Using
the growth curve graph that presents an exponential growth as part of its curve, one can
find the exponential part ( turbidity that doubles i.e from 0.6 to 1.2) that is linear and
match that span with the x-axis which is time.

3. Osmotic pressure: Depending on a given enzyme’s optimum osmotic pressure, too

high solute concentration outside the cell will cause cells to shrink and too low of solute
concentration outside the cell will cause cells to burst.
Oxygen tension: Depending on a given enzyme’s optimum oxygen level, too much or too
little can inhibit the enzyme from functioning properly and producing energy for
metabolism. This will ultimately affect the microorganism’s ability to grow and thrive.
Temperature: Depending on a given enzyme’s optimum temperature, too high of a
temperature can denature an enzyme and render it inactive while too low of a temperature
can also alter the activity of an enzyme.
pH: Changes in pH may not only affect the shape of an enzyme but it may also change
the shape or charge properties of the substrate so that either the substrate connot bind to
the active site or it cannot undergo catalysis there by affecting growth.

4. The most effective antibiotic is tetracycline because it has the greatest zone of
inhibition meaning that it inhibited microbial growth as far as 17mm in diameter.

5. If colonies grow within the zone of inhibition, then these colonies are said to be
resistant to the antibiotic that created this zone of inhibition.

6. Bacteriostatic prevents growth without killing while bactericidal agent kills sensitive
organisms.

7. Thioglycollate is a chemical reductant that reduces oxygen and lowers oxygen tension
in the tube containing the medium. The microorganism that grows throughout is most
likely facultative anaerobe which is capable of respiring therefore uses oxygen as a final
electron acceptor when oxygen is present while it ferments during the absence of oxygen.
8. Brewers jar contains Gas-PaK that when water and catalyst (palladium) are added,
produces hydrogen and carbon dioxide. The hydrogen then combines with oxygen to
form water, thus creating an anaerobic atmosphere. The cultures are placed in a Brewer
jar, water is added to the Gas-PaK, the lid of the jar is sealed, and the jar is placed in an
incubator.