Which equation best describes exponential bacterial growth?
Exponential increase in bacterial population when resources unlimited follows first order kinetics proportional to current population. Mathematically rate change dN over dt equals mu N, where N cell number, mu specific growth rate inverse time. Factor mu reflects nutritional quality, temperature, aeration, strain genotype. Integration yields N(t) equals N0 e to mu t, equivalently N0 2 to power t over g, where g equals ln2 over mu generation time. Taking natural logarithm ln N versus time gives straight line slope mu, confirming balanced growth. Monod equation refines mu as function substrate c
Ref: Prescott's Microbiology, 11th ed., Chapter 7: Exponential growth equation dN/dt=μN.