Factors Affecting Microorganism Growth
Biology: Edexcel IGCSE, topic 6.1.6
Factors Affecting Microorganism Growth
The rate at which microorganisms like yeast and bacteria grow depends on various factors.
Temperature
- Growth rates are generally highest in warm temperatures.
- Keeping food in the fridge or freezer slows that rate at which microorganisms divide and respire.
- When bread is 'proved' it is kept warm so that the yeast respire quickly, producing carbon dioxide to make the bread rise.
Moisture availability
- Microorganism growth is generally fastest in moist conditions.
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