Lecture 18:

Bacterial Growth

Increase in mass/size versus the number of cells, commonly through binary fission.

Binary Fission

The process by which a bacterial cell divides into two identical cells.

Bacterial Growth Curve Phases

The four phases are Lag, Exponential (Log), Deceleration, and Stationary phases.

Continuous Culture

A microbial culture system where nutrient supply and waste removal are constant, maintaining steady-state conditions.

Batch Culture

Characterized by ambient changes in nutrient concentration and waste accumulation, limited by the initial amount of nutrients.

Optical Density

A measure of turbidity that correlates with microbial biomass and cell population.

Dilution Rate (D)

Equivalent to the specific growth rate (μ) under steady-state conditions in continuous culture.

Factors Influencing Microbial Growth

Includes environmental conditions (in vitro vs in vivo), culture media composition, and nutrient availability.

Bacterial Growth Equation

Represented by the equation dX/dt = μX, with μ as the growth rate.

Impact of Culture Systems on Microbial Communities

Cultivation in bioreactors can lead to reduced microbial diversity compared to natural environments.

Anaerobic Dynamic Membrane Bioreactor (AnDMBR)

A system that enhances the hydrolysis of lignocellulosic materials and production of volatile fatty acids by mimicking ruminal conditions.