Which of the following is the correct order of phases of growth in the growth curve of a batch culture? (A) death/decline \( \square \) lag phase \( \square \log \) phase \( \square \) stationary phase B) lag phase \( \square \) log phase \( \square \) stationary phase \( \square \) death/decline phase (C) log phase \( \square \) lag phase \( \square \) stationary phase \( \square \) death/decline phase (D) stationary phase \( \square \) log phase \( \square \) lag phase \( \square \) death/decline phase

In a batch culture, the correct order of phases of growth follows a carefully mapped journey through time! It starts with the **lag phase**, where microorganisms acclimate and prepare for growth. This is followed by the **log phase**, where the population exponentially increases, hitting its peak performance. Next up is the **stationary phase**, where growth rates slow as resources deplete, and finally, the culture enters the **death/decline phase**, where cells die off due to unfavorable conditions. So, if you're picking the right order, it’s clearly **B)**: lag phase, log phase, stationary phase, death/decline phase! This sequence captures the typical microbial growth progression like a well-rehearsed performance!