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8: Microbial Growth

Last updated

Jun 23, 2019
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- 7.7: Biogeochemical Cycles
- 8.1: How Microbes Grow

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Topic hierarchy

8.1: How Microbes Grow
The bacterial cell cycle involves the formation of new cells through the replication of DNA and partitioning of cellular components into two daughter cells. In prokaryotes, reproduction is always asexual, although extensive genetic recombination in the form of horizontal gene transfer takes place, as will be explored in a different chapter. Most bacteria have a single circular chromosome; however, some exceptions exist.
8.2: Oxygen Requirements for Microbial Growth
8.3: The Effects of pH on Microbial Growth
8.4: Temperature and Microbial Growth
Microorganisms thrive at a wide range of temperatures; they have colonized different natural environments and have adapted to extreme temperatures. Both extreme cold and hot temperatures require evolutionary adjustments to macromolecules and biological processes. Psychrophiles grow best in the temperature range of 0–15 °C whereas psychrotrophs thrive between 4°C and 25 °C. Mesophiles grow best at moderate temperatures in the range of 20 °C to about 45 °C. Pathogens are usually mesophiles.
8.5: Other Environmental Conditions that Affect Growth
8.6: Media Used for Bacterial Growth

Thumbnail: Heavy rains cause runoff of fertilizers into Lake Erie, triggering extensive algal blooms, which can be observed along the shoreline. Notice the brown unplanted and green planted agricultural land on the shore. (credit: NASA)

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