1.1.29

Calculating Bacteria

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Population of Bacteria

Bacteria multiply through simple cell division (binary fission), in which one cell divides to produce two cells. The average time for how often the bacteria divide is called the mean division time of that population.

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Estimation

  • A future population of bacteria can be estimated by multiplying the current population by two for every mean division time (time it takes for the bacteria to divide) that passes.
  • Divisions can happen as fast as every 20 minutes when the conditions are ideal.
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Equation

  • To calculate the future population of bacteria, we multiply the current population by 2 to the power of (time passed ÷ mean division time).

  • As an equation, that's current population x (2 ^ time passedmean division time{\frac{time \ passed}{mean \ division \ time}}).

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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