Subtopic: Fundamentals of Biomolecules, enzyme kinetics
Question Statement:
In balanced growth phase of a cell
P. all components of a cell grow at the same rate
Q. specific growth determined by cell number or cell mass would be the same
R. the growth rate is independent of substrate concentration
S. the growth rate decreases with decreasing substrate concentration
Options:
(A) P, Q and S only
(B) Q, R and S only
(C) P, Q and R only
(D) P only
Official Answer Key:
C
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE BT 2011 Q.12)**
**1. Governing Concept & Syllabus Classification**:
- **Section**: Biotechnology
- **Question Type**: **MCQ** (1 Mark)
- **Core Topic**: Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology
**2. Detailed Step-by-Step Analytical & Scientific Derivation**:
- **Systematic Conceptual & Option-by-Option Evaluation**:
- Problem Focus: *"In balanced growth phase of a cell
P. all components of a cell grow at the same rate
Q. specific growth determined by cell number or cell mass would be the same
R. the growth rate is independent of substrate concentratio..."*
- **Option (C) [CORRECT]**: *"P, Q and R only"*
- Validated by canonical biochemistry/biotechnology literature. Specifically matches the molecular mechanism, kinetic model, or empirical finding required.
- **Option (A) [INCORRECT]**: *"P, Q and S only"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
- **Option (B) [INCORRECT]**: *"Q, R and S only"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
- **Option (D) [INCORRECT]**: *"P only"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
**3. Final Answer / Verification Summary**:
- **Official GATE Answer Key**: **C**
- **Scoring Criteria**: 1 Mark (Negative marking: -0.33 marks).
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