# Track growth curves | Skill level | Time to complete (E. coli) | Hands-on time | | --------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- | | Basic microbiology | 8 hours | 4 hours | Access lets you instantly add metadata about your sample. With the computer as input device, you can interact with familiar BactoBox® buttons on your screen. Growth curves are generated with ease when you add information on dilution factors and sampling time. In this step-by-step example we will demonstrate how to track growth curves. We'll use a straightforward example with *E. coli* in a shake flask. At 37 °C, *E. coli* has a generation time, g, of \~20 min in LB medium. We will sample at g x 1.5, that is a sample for every 30 min. Notice that you will collect samples every 30 minutes for \~8 hours. This requires that you set aside a full lab day for the experiment if you are working with *E. coli*. Understanding the lag phase duration, growth rates, and carrying capacity can significantly enhance your fermentation process design. Trust us; it will be worth it! Here’s how the results will appear after measurements are completed.