New York City Food Protection Practice Test

During which phase of bacterial growth does the most rapid increase in population occur?

1. Lag phase

2. Log phase

3. Stationary phase

4. Death phase

The correct answer is: Log phase

The log phase, also known as the exponential phase, is characterized by the most rapid increase in bacterial population. During this phase, bacteria that are metabolically active divide at a constant and maximum rate, resulting in a consistent doubling of the population over a specific period. This phase occurs after the lag phase, where bacteria are adjusting to their environment and preparing for growth but are not yet dividing. The log phase continues until nutrient depletion or the accumulation of waste products begins to hinder growth, eventually leading to the stationary phase, where the growth rate slows and the number of viable cells stabilizes. This high rate of multiplication during the log phase is critical for understanding how to manage bacterial cultures in food safety, microbiology, and various applications in biotechnology.