Estimation of number of Carbon atoms in bacterium

In summary, the minimal growth medium for bacteria such as E. coli includes salts and a carbon source, typically glucose at a concentration of 0.2%. To estimate the number of carbon atoms in a bacterium like E. coli, one could use the molar mass and Avagadro's number to calculate the number of atoms in 100mL of the medium. Alternatively, one could attempt to estimate the number of glucose molecules in a single bacterium and use that to determine the number of carbon atoms. However, additional data may be needed to accurately solve the question.
  • #1
Krazer101
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Homework Statement


Minimal growth medium for bacteria such as E. coli includes various salts with characteristic concentrations of mM and carbon source. This carbon source is typically glucose and it is used at 0.2% ( a concentration of 0.2g/100mL).

a) Make an estimate of the number of carbon atoms it takes to make up the macromolecular contents of a bacterium such as E. coli.

b) How many cells can be grown in a 5 mL culture using minimal medium before the medium exhausts the carbon?


Homework Equations


Molar mass, Avagadro's number


The Attempt at a Solution


I first started out by taking the concentration of .2g/100mL and figured out the mol of glucose per 100mL. Then I found mol of carbon and through Avagadro's number, I found the number of atoms per 100mL. Is this the right method?

I also thought of finding the volume of glucose molecules and dividing the volumes to find the amount of glucose molecules in the bacterium and finding the number of carbon atoms through that?
 
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  • #2
Either I am missing something completely, or you have to find some additional data to solve the question.

Using volumes of a single E. coli and glucose molecule is not a completely bad idea, but - as most of the bacterium is water - it will give incorrect result. But at least you will know what order of magnitude we are talking.
 
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1. How do you estimate the number of carbon atoms in a bacterium?

The number of carbon atoms in a bacterium can be estimated by determining the cell mass and using the known carbon content of bacterial cells. This can be done through techniques such as elemental analysis or biochemical assays.

2. What is the average number of carbon atoms in a bacterium?

The average number of carbon atoms in a bacterium can vary depending on the species and size of the bacterium. However, on average, bacterial cells contain approximately 50% carbon by dry weight, which translates to around 10^12 carbon atoms per cell.

3. How accurate is the estimation of carbon atoms in a bacterium?

The accuracy of the estimation of carbon atoms in a bacterium depends on the method used. Techniques such as elemental analysis can provide highly accurate results, while other methods may have a higher margin of error. It is also important to note that the carbon content of bacterial cells can vary depending on environmental conditions and growth stage.

4. Can the number of carbon atoms in a bacterium be influenced by external factors?

Yes, the number of carbon atoms in a bacterium can be influenced by external factors such as the availability of nutrients, temperature, and pH. These factors can affect the growth and metabolism of the bacterium, which in turn can impact the amount of carbon present in the cell.

5. Why is it important to estimate the number of carbon atoms in a bacterium?

Estimating the number of carbon atoms in a bacterium can provide valuable information about the cell's metabolism and growth. It can also help in understanding the role of bacteria in various processes, such as carbon cycling in the environment. Additionally, this information can be useful in industries such as biotechnology, where bacteria are used for various applications.

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