Question

In a culture of E.coli the cell population increased from $1.5\times {10}^6$ cells /ml to $12\times {10}^6$ cells/ml in 36 minute.The generation time is

• A. 6 mt
• B. 9 mt
• C. 12 mt
• D. 18 mt

Answer 1

The correct option is C 12 mt

At the start, the culture of E. coli has cell population of 1.5 X 10${}^6$ cells/ml. After first generation, it will be doubled, that is 3 X 10${}^6$ cells/ml. After second generation, it will be 6 X 10${}^6$ cells/ml. After third generation, it will be 12 X 10${}^6$ cells/ ml. It is given that for a cell population to increase from 1. 5 X 10${}^6$ cells/ml to 12 X 10${}^6$ cells/ml, it takes 36 minutes. It means, for 3 generation, it takes 36 minutes. So, its generation time is 36/3 = 12.

Thus, the correct answer option C.