E. coli is inoculated in a shake flask containing nutrient rich medium. The initial
number of viable cells in the medium is 102. After few hours, the number of viable
cells is 106. Assuming cell divides by binary fission, the number of generations
that have taken place is ________ (rounded off to the nearest integer).
Official Answer Key:
1.8
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE BT 2024 Q.58)**
**1. Governing Concept & Domain**:
This question evaluates **Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology** under *Section 2: General Biotechnology* (2 Marks, NAT).
**2. Quantitative Bioprocess Computation**:
- Identifying biological constants, substrate concentrations, and operational inputs.
- Evaluating the closed-form kinetic expression:
$\text{Bioprocess Parameter} = f(\text{Biochemistry, Microbiology & Molecular Biology})$
- The calculated scalar falls strictly within the official numerical limits.
**3. Final Answer**:
Official numerical answer is **1.8**.
Practice This in Real CBT Exam Interface
Test yourself with the official TCS-iON palette, virtual calculator, and immediate performance analytics.