Growth conditions

The growth of microorganisms is significantly affected by environmental conditions, including:

• Temperature

• pH level

• Water availability

• Oxygen

• Nutrient composition

• Pressure

• Radiation

The nutrient content of the medium and the environmental conditions must be suitable in order to achieve an efficient growth of microorganisms.

A nutrient solution called culture medium, or broth, is used to grow microorganisms in the laboratory. Every microorganism has different nutritional needs and ability to obtain nutrition from media through various metabolic pathways.

Therefore, the amount and type of nutrients to be added in a medium must be carefully considered to ensure successful growth and production of desirable metabolites.

In optimal conditions, a bacterial population would expand exponentially, rapidly occupying available space and resources until stabilization or even decline. This growth can be monitored with a bacterial growth curve.