The death phase is the final stage of microbial growth where the number of dying cells exceeds the number of new cells being produced. This results in a net decrease in the overall population of microbes.
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During the death phase, nutrient depletion and waste accumulation are primary reasons for cell death.
Cell lysis often occurs during this phase, releasing cellular components into the environment.
The death rate can follow an exponential decay pattern, similar to how growth occurred exponentially in earlier phases.
Not all cells die immediately; some may enter a dormant state or form spores to survive harsh conditions.
This phase can be observed using methods such as viable plate counts and turbidity measurements.