Tommy is investigating a strain of bacteria. He observes that the bacteria is only found in environments with a pH range from 6 to 8. His lab partner prepares a growth medium for this bacteria with a pH of 5.
Which explanation best predicts what will happen to the bacteria grown in this growth medium?
a
The bacteria will grow quickly because they can change the pH level of the growth medium.
b
The bacteria will grow quickly and then begin to die because they will run out of food.
c
The bacteria will grow slowly because the growth medium will provide fewer resources.
d
The bacteria will quickly die because the growth medium is too acidic for survival.
d
The bacteria will quickly die because the growth medium is too acidic for survival.
d
The bacteria will quickly die because the growth medium is too acidic for survival.
d
The bacteria will quickly die because the growth medium is too acidic for survival.
To understand why the bacteria will quickly die in this growth medium, we need to consider the pH requirements of the bacteria. The question stem states that the bacteria is only found in environments with a pH range from 6 to 8. This means that the bacteria can only survive and thrive within this specific pH range.
The growth medium prepared by Tommy's lab partner has a pH of 5, which is more acidic than the bacteria's preferred range. Bacteria have specific enzymatic and metabolic processes that require a favorable pH level for their growth and survival. When the pH deviates too far from their optimal range, these processes are disrupted, and the bacteria are unable to function properly.
In this case, the growth medium with a pH of 5 is too acidic for the bacteria to survive. As a result, the bacteria will quickly die when placed in this environment.