Question

What represents dx/dt in a microbial growth equation: dx/dt = $\mu x$?

• A. Rate of change of time
• B. No change of time
• C. No change of biomass
• D. Rate of change of biomass

Hint:

The equation $dx/dt = \mu x$ is fundamental in microbial growth kinetics and shows how the biomass increases over time at a rate proportional to the current biomass concentration.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

In the microbial growth equation, dx/dt represents the rate of change of the biomass. The equation $dx/dt = \mu x$ indicates the relationship between the rate of change of biomass ($dx/dt$), the specific growth rate ($\mu$), and the biomass concentration ($x$).
- Option (1) is incorrect because dx/dt refers to the rate of change of biomass, not time.
- Option (2) is incorrect because there is no mention of no change of time. Time is implicitly involved, but the rate change refers to biomass.
- Option (3) is incorrect because dx/dt is not referring to a lack of biomass change but rather the rate of biomass change.
- Option (4) is correct as it accurately represents the rate of change of biomass as described by the equation.
Thus, the correct answer is option (4): Rate of change of biomass.