Stationary phase

Definition

The stationary phase is a stage in the bacterial growth curve where the rate of bacterial cell division equals the rate of cell death, resulting in a stable population size. During this phase, nutrient depletion and waste accumulation limit further growth, leading to a plateau in the number of viable cells. Understanding this phase is crucial for comprehending bacterial population dynamics and their response to environmental stressors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the stationary phase, bacteria enter a survival mode where metabolic activity may slow down as they adapt to limiting resources.
2. Cell density is typically at its highest during the stationary phase, which can trigger stress responses and the production of secondary metabolites.
3. Bacterial cells can remain in the stationary phase for extended periods, allowing them to endure unfavorable conditions until resources become available again.
4. Factors such as pH, temperature, and oxygen levels can influence the duration and characteristics of the stationary phase.
5. Understanding the stationary phase is important in industrial microbiology since it affects yield and productivity in fermentation processes.

Review Questions

• How does the stationary phase relate to the overall bacterial growth curve and what factors contribute to its establishment?
  • The stationary phase is a critical part of the bacterial growth curve, occurring after the log phase when growth rate slows down due to nutrient limitations and waste accumulation. During this phase, the number of new cells being formed equals the number of cells dying, resulting in a stable population. Factors like nutrient depletion and changes in environmental conditions contribute significantly to the establishment of this phase.
• Discuss the physiological changes that occur in bacterial cells during the transition from log phase to stationary phase.
  • During the transition from log phase to stationary phase, bacterial cells undergo several physiological changes. As resources become limited, cell division slows, and metabolic activities may shift toward maintenance rather than growth. Additionally, stress responses are activated, leading to alterations in gene expression that help bacteria survive adverse conditions such as nutrient scarcity and waste buildup.
• Evaluate the importance of studying the stationary phase in relation to antibiotic resistance and microbial survival strategies.
  • Studying the stationary phase is crucial for understanding antibiotic resistance and microbial survival strategies because many bacteria develop tolerance during this period. In the stationary phase, bacteria can express genes related to resistance mechanisms and form biofilms that protect them from antimicrobial agents. This knowledge is essential for developing effective treatment strategies against persistent infections, as well as for improving industrial microbiological processes by controlling microbial growth under specific conditions.

Related terms

log phase:

The log phase is the period of rapid bacterial growth where cells divide at a constant and maximal rate, leading to an exponential increase in population size.

death phase: The death phase follows the stationary phase, where the number of viable bacteria declines due to factors such as nutrient depletion and toxic waste accumulation.

growth curve: The growth curve is a graphical representation of bacterial population growth over time, typically showing four distinct phases: lag, log, stationary, and death.