Which method of measuring growth provides information based on cell turbidity?

The Turbidometric Method is based on measuring the cloudiness or turbidity of a liquid culture, which directly correlates to the number of microorganisms present in that culture. When bacteria multiply in a liquid medium, they scatter light that passes through the culture. This scattering effect leads to an increase in turbidity, which can be quantified using a spectrophotometer or nephelometer. In this method, the amount of light transmitted through the sample decreases as the concentration of cells increases, allowing for an indirect estimation of microbial growth.

This method is advantageous because it provides rapid results and allows for continuous monitoring of growth over time, making it particularly useful in research and industrial applications where quick assessment of microbial density is crucial. The relationship between turbidity and cell concentration can be established through calibration against standard cultures, making it a reliable method for assessing growth in liquid media.