Bacteria Growth Lab

Bacteria, such as Vibrio natriegens, are single cellular, microscopic microorganisms. Bacteria grow by cell division, mainly by a process called binary fission, where two cells arise from one single cell (Madigan et al., 2015). In bacteria such as Vibrio natriegens, who are curved-rod shaped microorganisms, they elongate to almost twice their own size and form a dividing wall in which splits the single cell into two daughter cells (Madigan et al., 2015).
There are four phases to bacterial cell growth: the lag phase, which is a period where bacteria are maturing and adjusting to the environment. During this phase, RNA synthesis, production of ribosomes, enzymes and other molecules occur (Mullenger, 1973). This is followed by the exponential
The variables tested included different concentrations of MgCl2 and NaCl.

Materials
Marine broth was used as the medium, the high salt content of marine broth helps to simulate sea water (Difco™ & BBL™ Manual, 2nd Edition). A control flask of marine broth was prepared by adding an extra 2% NaCl w/v. The control flask contained a 50ml final volume medium. The experimental treatment flasks of marine broth were prepared containing extra NaCl and MgCl2.
Four experimental flasks of additional NaCl were prepared comprising of an extra 1%, 2%, 4% and 6% weight/volume. And four experimental flasks of additional MgCl2 were prepared containing an extra 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% weight/volume.
The medium for this experiment has been prepared and aliquoted into glass flasks which were sealed with bung foam and tin foil and autoclaved overnight. A culture of Vibrio natriegens in the lag phase were also provided by the university. Each of the students were provided with a 10ml culture of Vibrio natriegens, 50ml control flask of marine broth, 50ml experimental flask and a spectrophotometer. Water baths with temperatures of 30¬oC, 37oC and 40oC were also provided to reach optimum experimental