The lag phase is the initial period of microbial growth where cells adapt to their new environment before starting to divide. During this phase, there is little to no increase in cell number.
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During the lag phase, cells are metabolically active but not dividing.
The duration of the lag phase can vary depending on factors such as nutrient availability and environmental conditions.
Cells may produce enzymes and other molecules necessary for subsequent growth during the lag phase.
This phase serves as a preparation period for exponential (log) growth.
Lag phase can be influenced by the history of the inoculum, such as its age or previous growth conditions.