In the process of generating a clonal mammalian cell line, a single cell was seeded
in a well of a cell culture plate. After the first 48 hours, one of the progeny cells
underwent apoptosis due to a new mutation. If the doubling time of the cells is 24
hours and no more cell death occurs, the total number of cells after a total of 7 days
from seeding will be ______. (answer in integer)
Official Answer Key:
1.8
Step-by-Step Solution & Explanation
### **Official Solution & Step-by-Step Derivation (GATE BT 2026 Q.63)**
**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**.
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