Question

Essentially in an experiment involving bacteria, we measure Optical density of the media where the bacteria grow at different time point from the same flask. If we have 2 or more types of bacteria and want to investigate whether the growth curve of those bacteria are significantly different, what do you think the best analysis can be applied for this purpose?

(a) Linear regression analysis or general regression analysis

(b) Non- linear regression analysis or general regression analysis

(c) Logistic regression analysis

(d) Stepwise regression analysis

The question was asked in an internship interview.

Question is from Data Analysis topic in section Presentation and Analysis of Data of Bioprocess Engineering

Answer 1

Right option is (b) Non- linear regression analysis or general regression analysis

The explanation is: If the growth rates fit a polynomial curve, you can use General Regression and enter the bacteria type as categorical variable. Otherwise, you may need to use nonlinear regression separately for each type.