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What Factors Cause Bacteria to Multiply Quickly?

Bacteria exist everywhere from the Earth's soil to the human's gastrointestinal tract. Depending on the individual bacterium, different aspects may influence the ability to grow and flourish. Common factors that cause bacteria to multiply quickly include pH levels, temperatures, nutrients, respiration and environmental moisture content.

  1. Acidity and Alkalinity

    • The pH level is the amount of hydrogen ions present in the environment. The levels are measured on a scale ranging from 0 to 14. Seven represents a neutral pH. As levels lower, acidity increases. As levels rise, alkalinity increases. Bacteria can thrive or deteriorate, depending on an environment's pH or acidity level. Most bacteria multiply between the pH levels of 6.7 and 7.5. There are bacteria that thrive at higher and lower pH levels. Acidophiles multiply quickly in the presence of acidity. Neutrophiles thrive at a pH of 7. Alkaliphiles quickly grow at alkaline pH levels.

    Temperature

    • Temperature also influences bacteria growth. Thermophile bacteria grow optimally between the temperatures of 131 degrees Fahrenheit and 161 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other end of the spectrum, psychrophiles thrive between 54 degrees Fahrenheit and 59 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures of between 86 and 113 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal for mesophiles. These bacteria are found often in humans because of this temperature range. Psychotrophs thrive at a slightly lower temperature range, 77 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

    Nutrients

    • Bacteria need nutrients to live, nutrients like carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen. Like with other growth components, different bacteria require different nutrients to multiply quickly. Chemoheterotrophs grow quickly when they can derive nutrients from organic carbon forms (compounds from living organisms) like protein and carbohydrates. Chemoautotrophs require inorganic compounds like carbon dioxide. Chemophototrophs, on the other hand, multiply quickly in the presence of light.

    Respiration

    • Respiration, the process of gas exchange, is a key factor in bacteria growth. Aerobic bacteria multiply quickly when exposed to oxygen. Oxygen can be in the form of water, carbon dioxide or organic compounds. Anaerobic bacteria can use chemicals other than oxygen to respire. Some anaerobic bacteria will die or fail to grow in the presence of oxygen.

    Moisture

    • Bacteria require water in the environment to flourish. Moisture is essential for carrying nutrients inside and outside the cell through osmosis. To multiply quickly, bacteria must be present in an environment that supports its water requirements (water activity). Water activity is water's role in solutions of salts and sugar. Most bacteria thrive in environments with water activity ranging from 0.7 to 1.0. Water activity, for example, has a value of 1.0 in pure water. The more solvents present in water the lower the water activity is.

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