During which stage do bacteria grow and reproduce through division?

Bacteria grow and reproduce during the active stage, which is characterized by their metabolic activities being at their peak. In this stage, bacteria undergo binary fission, a process in which a single bacterial cell divides into two identical daughter cells, allowing for rapid population increase.

This active growth phase is essential for their survival and ability to colonize different environments. The conditions that favor the active stage typically include warmth, moisture, and nutrients, which all contribute to the bacteria's ability to multiply effectively. Understanding this process is crucial in fields such as microbiology and hygiene, where controlling bacterial growth is often a primary concern.

The other stages do not involve active reproduction; instead, they may represent periods when the bacteria are dormant or significantly less active, focusing instead on survival mechanisms rather than growth.