The initial Growth phase, during which cell number remains relatively constant prior to rapid growth
Lag Phase
The plateau of the growth curve after exponential growth, during which cell number remains constant
Stationary Phase
Organisms that grow only in the presence of oxygen
Obligate aerobe
The time required for a microbial population to double in number
Generation time
Microorganisms that do not require oxygen for growth but do grow better with it.
Facultative anaerobe
An organism adapted to living in conditions of extreme temperature, pressure or chemical concentration
Extremophiles
The phase of a growth curve during which the population is growing at a constant and maximum rate
Exponential phase (LOG PHASE)
An organism that thrives in a relatively acid environment
Acidophile
an organism that requires a salty environment
Halophile
Requiring high temperatures for normal development, as certain bacteria
Thermophile
An organism. such as a bacteria, that can live in the absence of atmospheric oxygen
Anaerobe
An organism, such as a bacterium, requiring oxygen to live
Aerobe
Organized microbial communities encased in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and associated with surfaces, often with complex structural and functional characteristics
Biofilm
