A bacterium divides every 36 minutes. If a culture containing 105 cells/ml is grown for 180 minutes, what will be the cell concentration after that period?

Explanation

To calculate the cell concentration after a certain period of growth, you can use the formula: Final cell concentration = Initial cell concentration × 2(number of divisions) In this case, the bacterium divides every 36 minutes, so it doubles its population every 36 minutes. The initial cell concentration is 105 cells/ml, and the growth period is 180 minutes. Number of divisions = Growth period / Division time = 180 minutes / 36 minutes/division = 5 divisions. Now, plug the values into the formula: Final cell concentration = 105 cells/ml × 25 = 105 cells/ml × 32 = 32 x 105 cells/ml. So, the correct answer is 32 x 105 cells/ml.