Microbial death curve

Definition

A microbial death curve is a graphical representation that shows the decline in the number of viable microorganisms over time when exposed to a lethal agent. It typically plots logarithmic reduction versus time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The slope of the microbial death curve indicates the rate at which microbes are killed.
2. A steeper slope on the death curve signifies a faster killing rate of microorganisms.
3. Microbial death curves often follow first-order kinetics, meaning a constant percentage of the population is killed per unit time.
4. Factors affecting the microbial death curve include temperature, concentration of antimicrobial agents, and the presence of organic matter.
5. Understanding microbial death curves helps determine effective sterilization times and doses for antimicrobial treatments.

Review Questions

Related terms

Sterilization:

The process of eliminating all forms of life, including microorganisms, from an object or environment.

Disinfection:

The use of chemical or physical agents to reduce or eliminate most pathogenic microorganisms on inanimate objects.

Antimicrobial Agent: Substances that kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms.