Which phase of bacterial growth is characterized by stable numbers?

The phase of bacterial growth characterized by stable numbers is the stationary phase. During this period, the rate of bacterial cell division slows down significantly and becomes equal to the rate of cell death. This results in a relatively stable population size. The stationary phase occurs after the exponential growth of bacteria, where nutrients become limited and waste products begin to accumulate.

In the stationary phase, factors such as nutrient depletion, accumulation of toxic by-products, and space limitations lead to a balance between the number of cells dying and the number of new cells being produced. This stability can vary depending on the specific conditions and type of bacteria, but the fundamental characteristic of this phase is that there is no overall increase in the number of viable bacteria present in the environment.

Other phases of bacterial growth have different characteristics. In the lag phase, bacteria are adapting to their environment and not actively dividing, resulting in a gradual increase in numbers. The log phase, also known as the exponential phase, features rapid bacterial growth and division, leading to an increase in cell numbers. In the death phase, the number of dying cells begins to exceed the number of new cells, resulting in a decline in the total population.