Subtopic: Fundamentals of Microbial growth kinetics
Question Statement:
Maximum specific growth rate (max) of a microorganism is calculated by taking the
(In=l0ge, X=biomass, t = time)
Options:
(A) slope of In X vs t of the growth cycle
(B) slope of In X vs t during the exponential growth phase
(C) slope of X vs t
(D) slope of X vs t during the exponential phase of growth
Official Answer Key:
MTA
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE BT 2011 Q.44)**
**1. Governing Concept & Syllabus Classification**:
- **Section**: Biotechnology
- **Question Type**: **MCQ** (2 Marks)
- **Core Topic**: Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology
**2. Detailed Step-by-Step Analytical & Scientific Derivation**:
- **Systematic Conceptual & Option-by-Option Evaluation**:
- Problem Focus: *"Maximum specific growth rate (max) of a microorganism is calculated by taking the
(In=l0ge, X=biomass, t = time)..."*
- **Option (MTA) [CORRECT]**: *""*
- Validated by canonical biochemistry/biotechnology literature. Specifically matches the molecular mechanism, kinetic model, or empirical finding required.
- **Option (A) [INCORRECT]**: *"slope of In X vs t of the growth cycle"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
- **Option (B) [INCORRECT]**: *"slope of In X vs t during the exponential growth phase"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
- **Option (C) [INCORRECT]**: *"slope of X vs t"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
- **Option (D) [INCORRECT]**: *"slope of X vs t during the exponential phase of growth"* does not satisfy the precise boundary conditions or molecular specificity.
**3. Final Answer / Verification Summary**:
- **Official GATE Answer Key**: **MTA**
- **Scoring Criteria**: 2 Marks (Negative marking: -0.66 marks).
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