Statistical analysis of growth of microorganisms

A mathematical model is derived in the form of a functional equation to describe a population dynamics of microorganisms (bacteria). The individual cells are due to experience a cycle of growth and division during the proliferation period. The interdivision growth rate of bacterial cells (Azotobacter vinelandii) in a continuous and steady state culture is assessed by introducing a probability of division and by using the cell size distributions which are measured with the Coulter counter. Sigmoid patterns, the single‐cell volume versus time, agree incidentally with the previous data which have been published by Harvey et al. from an approach devoid of a particular model. A mutual relationship between the microbial activities from the macroscopic scale of cell mass concentration and those from a statistical analysis is discussed briefly.