Which phase of microbial growth is characterized by stable population levels?

The stationary phase of microbial growth is characterized by stable population levels. During this phase, the growth rate of the microbial population slows down as the abundance of nutrients begins to deplete and waste products accumulate. As a result, the number of new cells being produced is roughly equal to the number of cells dying, leading to a balance that maintains a steady population size.

In this phase, stress responses may be activated, and some cells may enter a state of dormancy or produce secondary metabolites. This balance between cell division and cell death is critical for the survival of the population in resource-limited conditions. It is during the stationary phase that many microorganisms may also engage in processes such as sporulation or the production of antibiotics as they adapt to their changing environment, which further contributes to the maintenance of a stable population level.