Page 12 - Microbiology in workplace
P. 12
GMP Training – Microbiology in the Workplace by www.gmpsop.com
pH:
The pH range in which bacteria
can grow is usually between 4
and 9, with an optimum range
usually between 6 and 8. Moulds
and yeasts have a broader pH
range than bacteria, and their
optimum is lower, usually 5-6.
Different species have adapted to
grow at different pH values,
which is the reason that some
bacteria are able to grow in
disinfectants and other strong
chemicals
How bacteria grow
Bacteria multiply by a process known as binary fission.
This means that each bacterial cell divides into two living cells so that the
population doubles in number with each division.
The population of bacteria is said to grow exponentially, and will continue to
expand until the nutrients run out or environmental conditions change.
To multiply, bacteria usually require:
Moist conditions
Adequate temperature
Adequate nutrients
No inhibiting agents
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