Answer:
7800 cells
Explanation:
The number of Escherichia coli cells N after n generations is given by
N = 2ⁿ × N₀ where N₀ = initial population
Now making N₀ subject of the formula, we have
N₀ = N/2ⁿ
Since n = 8 and N = 1,996,800 cells, substituting the values of the variables into the equation, we have
N₀ = N/2ⁿ
N₀ = 1,996,800 cells/2⁸
N₀ = 1,996,800 cells/256
N₀ = 7800 cells
So, the initial population of Escherichia coli cells is 7800 cells.