Factors Limiting Bacterial Growth

Abstract

Growth in subcultures seeded with E. coli after heating the bacteria at various temps. was measured by respirometer, by nephelometer, and by counting. The effect of sublethal exposures was to prolong the latent period preceding cell-division without affecting the rate of regeneration of respiratory function. The latter was accompanied quantitatively by physical growth, and since it occurred at the normal growth rate, probably consisted of normal growth. There was no evidence of a period of "recovery" distinct from growth. The latent period and eventual multiplication of the heated bacteria could be expressed by the equations and constants describing normal growth.