If a bacterium cell divides it every 20 minutes, how many bacteria will be formed in two hours?

Options

A. 16
B. 8
C. 64
D. 4

Answer

C

Explanation

Bacteria generally reproduces by binary fission - a process in which division gives rise to two identical cells. 20 minutes = 1/3rd of an hour. 2 hours: 2`xx`3= 6 thirds of an hour= 6 divisions. If all survive and reproduce, the population after 6 divisions
`= 2 xx 2 xx 2 xx 2 xx 2 xx 2 = 64` bugs.