Heterotrophic bacteria will run out of organic growth substrates in batch cultures but chemostats can provide constant nutrient source for them to grow.Chemostats for photoautotrophic bacteria are not necessary to maintain them at a constant growth phase because a light can artificially be turned on constantly.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Chemostats can provide a constant nutrient source for both heterotrophic and photoautotrophic bacteria to maintain them at a constant growth phase. Artificially turning on a light constantly may not be enough to provide the necessary nutrients for photoautotrophic bacteria to grow, so a chemostat may still be necessary.

Heterotrophic Bacteria Will Run Out of Organic Growth Substrates in Batch