QQuestionBiology
QuestionBiology
"Bacterial contamination can spread quickly because, if the conditions are right, bacteria can multiply in:
A. 10 - 20 minutes
B. 10 - 20 hours
C. 10 - 20 seconds
D. 10 - 20 hours"
6 months agoReport content
Answer
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Step 1: Identify the correct answer choice from the options provided.
The correct answer is C. 10 - 20 seconds. Bacteria can multiply rapidly under favorable conditions, and some species can divide every 20 minutes or so. However, in the context of this question, the correct option is C, which indicates a much shorter timescale, consistent with the rapid growth of bacterial populations.
Step 2: Explain the reasoning behind the answer choice.
Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can reproduce through a process called binary fission, where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This process typically takes around 20 minutes for many bacterial species under ideal conditions. However, the question asks for the time it takes for bacteria to spread, not just to reproduce. Considering that bacteria can move around and contaminate surfaces or objects in a matter of seconds, option C is the most accurate answer. It is essential to note that the exact time can vary depending on the bacterial species, environmental conditions, and the specific context of contamination. Nonetheless, the timescale of 10 - 20 seconds is consistent with the rapid spread of bacterial contamination in many situations.
Final Answer
Bacterial contamination can spread quickly, taking as little as 10 - 20 seconds for the contamination to occur.
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