A concentrated feed of substrate is added at a constant rate in a fed-batch reactor. If all the substrate is utilized, the specific growth rate (μ)…
A concentrated feed of substrate is added at a constant rate in a fed-batch reactor. If all the substrate is utilized, the specific growth rate (μ) pattern will be:
Select an option to attempt
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
Specific growth rate (μ) in fed-batch culture with constant feed rate:In a fed-batch fermentation with a CONSTANT feed rate F into a vessel of increasing volume V:, butincreases over time as feed is added.The dilution rate:As V increases over time (while F stays constant), D DECREASES over time.At steady state in fed-batch:As the fermentation progresses:• Volume V increases → dilution rate D decreases → specific growth rateDECREASES over time.• The culture is NOT at steady state — it slows progressively.Answer: In fed-batch with constant feed rate,(specific growth rate) decreases over time as culture volume increases.