How Do You Calculate the Relative Growth Rate of E. coli in a Nutrient Broth?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the relative growth rate of Escherichia coli in a nutrient broth, where the bacterium divides every 20 minutes starting from an initial population of 90 cells. The relative growth rate is defined as the growth rate of the population relative to its size at a given time. Participants clarify that the growth rate is the change in population over time, while the relative growth rate is the growth rate divided by the current population size. The conversation emphasizes the exponential growth model for this bacterial population.

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  • Concept of relative rates in mathematical contexts
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A common inhabitant of human intestines is the bacterium Escherichia coli. A cell of this bacterium in a nutrient-broth medium divides into two cells every 20 minutes. The initial population of a culture is 90 cells.


the question asks to find the relative growth rate, if we measure t in hours.


im not exactly sure what they are asking for?
if someone can point me in the right direction.
 
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What does growth rate mean, and what does "relative growth rate" mean?
 
well growth rate is that rate at which a certain population increases or decreases. so relative growth rate is the rate at which a population increases or decreases relative to time?
 
No, "relative growth rate" means the growth rate relative to the SIZE OF THE POPULATION at the same time!

1. So, if the population at time t is x(t), what is its growth rate at time t?
2. And what is its relative growth rate?
3. What type of growth do you think the bacterium population experiences?
4. What type of function must x(t) be?
5. Use the info to determine x(t)!
6. Calculate the relative growth rate!
 

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